Methods of modulating PPAR gamma-type receptors

ABSTRACT

Novel compounds having the general formula (I) below: 
                         
are useful in a wide variety of applications in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, and also in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or diseases associated with lipid metabolism), or, alternatively are formulated into cosmetic compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO EARLIER APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/311,449, filed Dec. 20, 2005 now U.S. Pat. 7,625,914, now allowed,which is a continuation of PCT/EP2004/007200 filed Jun. 16, 2004 anddesignating the United States, published on Dec. 29, 2004 as WO2004/113331 A1, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/489,672, filed Jul. 24, 2003, and the foreign priority ofFR03/07487, filed Jun. 20, 2003, each earlier application herebyexpressly incorporated by reference and each assigned to the assigneehereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to, as novel and useful industrialproducts, a novel class of compounds that are modulators of receptors ofPeroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor type of subtype γ (PPARγ).The present invention also relates to a process for preparing such novelcompounds and to their formulation into pharmaceutical compositionssuited for administration in human or veterinary medicine, or,alternatively formulated into cosmetic compositions.

2. Description of Background and/or Related and/or Prior Art

The activity of receptors of PPAR type has been the subject of manystudies. Mention may be made, as a guide, of the publication entitled“Differential Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorSubtypes During the Differentiation of Human Keratinocytes”, MichelRivier et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 111, 1998, pp. 1116-1121, in whichis listed a large number of bibliographic references relating toreceptors of PPAR type. Mention may also be made, as a guide, of thereport entitled “The PPARs: From orphan receptors to Drug Discovery”,Timothy M. Willson, Peter J. Brown, Daniel D. Sternbach and Brad R.Henke, J. Med. Chem., 2000, Vol. 43, pp. 527-550.

PPAR receptors activate transcription by binding to elements of DNAsequences, known as peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPRE), inthe form of a heterodimer with retinoid X receptors (known as RXRs).

Three subtypes of human PPARs have been identified and described: PPARα,PPARγ and PPARδ (or NUC1).

PPARα is mainly expressed in the liver, while PPARδ is ubiquitous.

PPARγ is the most extensively studied of the three subtypes. All thereferences suggest a critical role of PPARγ in regulating thedifferentiation of adipocytes, where it is greatly expressed. It alsohas a key role in systemic lipid homeostasis.

It has been described in particular in patent application WO 96/33724that PPARγ-selective compounds, such as a prostaglandin-J2 or -D2, arepotential active agents for treating obesity and diabetes.

Moreover, the assignee hereof has already described PPARγ compoundsand/or the use thereof in FR-2,773,075, which describes the use if PPARγactivator compounds in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition,the composition being intended to treat skin disorders associated withan anomaly of epidermal cell differentiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a novel class of PPARγ-modulatingcompounds that show very good specific affinity for PPARγ.

Thus, the present invention features compounds having the generalformula (I) below:

in which:

R1 is a radical of formula (a) or (b) below:

R3 and R4 are as defined below;

R2 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an arylradical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical, a heterocyclicradical, a 9-fluorenylmethyl radical or a radical of formula(CH₂)_(m)(NR5)_(m)(C(O,N)_(p)R6;

R5, R6, m, n and p are as defined below;

R3 is a radical selected from among the following formulae:

R7, R8, V, W and Y are as defined below;

R4 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a radical OR9or a radical SR9 or NHR9;

R5 and R7, which may be identical or different, are each a hydrogenatom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an arylradical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical or a heterocyclicradical, with the proviso that when Y is an nitrogen atom, then formula(e) is not substituted by a radical R7;

R6 and R8, which may be identical or different, are each:

a radical O—(CH₂)_(v)—R10,

a hydroxyl radical, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms,an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical, aheterocyclic radical,

a radical

or a radical NR′(CH₂)_(v)R10;

R10, R′, R″ and v are as defined below;

R9 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a radicalselected from among those of the following formulae:

(g) —CO-(Q)_(p)—R11; and(h) α-amino acid N-protected with standard amine-protecting groups, suchas 9-fluorenylmethylcarbamate (FMOC), t-butylcarbamate (BOC), benzyl ortrifluoroacetyl;R11, Q and p are as defined below;

m has the values 0, 1 or 2;

n and p have the values 0 or 1;

Q is an oxygen or sulfur atom or NR5;

V is an oxygen, a nitrogen or sulfur atom;

W is a nitrogen atom or a radical C—R5;

Y is a nitrogen atom or a carbon atom;

Z is an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom;

v has the values 1, 2 or 3;

R10 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl,aralkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclic radical, a radical NH—CO—R12, aradical NH—CO—O—R12 or C—R12R13 or a radical N—R12R13, wherein R12 andR13 are as defined below;

R′ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, a heteroaryl radical or a heterocyclic radical;

R″ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, optionally substituted withone or more halogens, a heteroaryl radical, a heterocyclic radical, aradical (CH₂)_(v)—R10, or a radical NHR₁₀ or NR10R10;

R11 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical, aheterocyclic radical or a radical (CO)_(s)(Z)_(t)R10 with s and t havingthe values 0, 1 or 2;

R12 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical or aheterocyclic radical;

R13 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms;

X is a radical having the following structure:—(CH₂)_(z)—NR14—C(T)-(D)_(w)-wherein D, z, T and R14 are as defined below;

T is an oxygen or sulfur atom;

D is an oxygen or sulfur atom, a radical —NR15 or a radical CH₂,

wherein R15 is as defined below;

z has the values 0 or 1;

w has the values from 0 to 6; and

R14 and R15 are each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having from 1to 12 carbon atoms,

Ar1 and Ar2, which may be identical or different, are each an optionallysubstituted aromatic radical of one of the formulae:

wherein A is an S or O atom or a radical N—R13, with the proviso that,when Ar1 or Ar2 is a phenyl radical, then Ar2 or Ar1 is necessarily aheteroaryl radical,and the optical and geometrical isomers and also the salts thereof.

When the compounds according to the invention are in the form of acarboxylic acid salt, the said salt is preferably an alkali metal salt,in particular the sodium salt, an alkaline-earth metal salt or a salt ofan organic amine, more particularly of amino acids such as arginine orlysine.

When the compounds according to the invention are in the form of a saltof an amine function, for example of a pyridine, the said salt ispreferably a salt of a halogen atom, such as the hydrochloride or thehydrobromide, or an organic acid salt, such as a fumarate or a maleate,or a nitrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D describe a reaction scheme for preparingcompounds of formula (I) with R1 having formula (b) such as compounds offormulas 12 to 16.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D describe another reaction route for obtainingcompounds of formulas 12 to 16.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C describe a reaction route to other compounds offormula (I) with R1 having formula (b) such as compounds of formulas 25to 29.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C describe another reaction route to compounds offormulas 25 to 29.

FIGS. 5A and 5B describe yet other synthetic routes.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C describe a reaction scheme for preparing compoundsof formula (I) with R1 being formula (a).

FIGS. 7A and 7B describe yet another synthetic route for compounds offormula (I) with R1 being formula (a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE AND SPECIFIC/PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OFTHE INVENTION

According to the present invention, the term “hydroxyl radical” meansthe —OH radical.

According to the present invention, the expression “alkyl radical havingfrom 1 to 12 carbon atoms” means a linear or cyclic, saturated orunsaturated, optionally branched, hydrogen-containing orfluorine-containing radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may beinterrupted with a hetero atom, and the alkyl radicals having from 1 to12 carbon atoms are preferably methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl,tert-butyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, decyl, cyclohexyl ormethylenecyclopropyl radicals.

The term “polyether radical” means a polyether radical having from 1 to6 carbon atoms interrupted with at least one oxygen atom, such asmethoxymethoxy, ethoxymethoxy or methoxyethoxymethoxy radicals.

The term “halogen atom” means a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom.

The term “alkoxy radical having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms” means amethoxy, ethoxy, isopropyloxy, tert-butoxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy,benzyloxy or phenoxy radical, which may optionally be substituted withan alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

The term “aryl radical” means a phenyl, biphenyl, cinnamyl or naphthylradical, which may be mono- or disubstituted with a halogen atom, a CF₃radical, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyradical having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, a nitro function, a polyetherradical, an aryl radical, a benzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group, acarboxylic acid, a hydroxyl radical optionally protected with an acetylor benzoyl group or an amino function optionally protected with anacetyl or benzoyl group or optionally substituted with at least onealkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

The term “aralkyl radical” means a benzyl, phenethyl or 2-naphthylmethylradical, which may be mono- or disubstituted with a halogen atom, a CF₃radical, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyradical having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, a nitro function, a polyetherradical, an aryl radical, a benzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group, acarboxylic acid, a hydroxyl radical optionally protected with an acetylor benzoyl group or an amino function optionally protected with anacetyl or benzoyl group or optionally substituted with at least onealkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

The term “heteroaryl radical” means an aryl radical interrupted with oneor more hetero atoms, such as a pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, isoxazolyl,oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isothiazolyl, quinazolinyl, benzothiadiazolyl,benzimidazolyl, quinoxalyl, indolyl or benzofuryl radical, optionallysubstituted with at least one halogen, an alkyl having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an alkoxy having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an arylradical, a nitro function, a polyether radical, a heteroaryl radical, abenzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group, a carboxylic acid, a hydroxyloptionally protected with an acetyl or benzoyl group or an aminofunction optionally protected with an acetyl or benzoyl group oroptionally substituted with at least one alkyl having from 1 to 12carbon atoms.

The term “heterocyclic radical” preferably means a morpholino,piperidino, piperazino, 2-oxo-1-piperidyl or 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinylradical, optionally substituted with at least one alkyl having from 1 to12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an arylradical, a nitro function, a polyether radical, a heteroaryl radical, abenzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group, a carboxylic acid, a hydroxyloptionally protected with an acetyl or benzoyl group or an aminofunction optionally protected with an acetyl or benzoyl group oroptionally substituted with at least one alkyl having from 1 to 12carbon atoms.

Among the compounds of formula (I) above according to the presentinvention, especially exemplary are the following compounds (alone or asa mixture):

-   1.    N-{4-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide,-   2.    N-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide,-   3.    N-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide,-   4.    N-{3-[5-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamide,-   5.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   6.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   7.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   8.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-pentyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   9.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   10.    2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridinium    chloride,-   11.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   12.    {3-[5-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methyloctanoylcarboxylamide,-   13.    {3-[5-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylhexanoylcarboxylamide,-   14.    2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   15.    2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   16.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)-methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   17.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methylpentanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   18.    3-[4-(5-{[(2-Cyclopentylacetyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoic    acid,-   19.    3-[4-(5-{[(3-Cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoic    acid,-   20.    2-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoic    acid,-   21.    2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   22.    2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   23.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoic    acid,-   24.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid hydrochloride,-   25.    3-{4-[6-(3-Butyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoic    acid,-   26.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid hydrochloride,-   27.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   28.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   29.    3-{4-[6-(3-Cyclohexyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoic    acid,-   30.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]thiazol-2-yl}propanoic    acid,-   31.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]thiazol-2-yl}propanoic    acid,-   32.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoic    acid,-   33.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(6-{3-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-1-methylureido}pyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoic    acid,-   34.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   35.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   36.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   37.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   38.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   39.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrimidin-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   40.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrimidin-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   41.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{5-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]furan-2-yl}propanoic    acid,-   42.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{5-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]thiophen-2-yl}propanoic    acid,-   43.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{2-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrimidin-5-yl}propanoic    acid,-   44.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoic    acid,-   45.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiophen-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   46.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-{[methyl(6-propoxynaphthalene-2-carbonyl)amino]methyl}furan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoic    acid,-   47.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)furan-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   48.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-{[methyl(6-propoxynaphthalene-2-carbonyl)amino]methyl}thiophen-2-yl)phenyl]propanoic    acid,-   49.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(4-{[methyl(6-propoxynaphthalene-2-carbonyl)amino]methyl}thiophen-2-yl)phenyl]propanoic    acid,-   50.    3-(6-{3-[3-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)-1-methylureido]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoic    acid,-   51.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[6-(3-{[methyl-(6-propoxynaphthalene-2-carbonyl)amino]methyl}phenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoic    acid,-   52.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[(heptanoylmethylamino)methyl]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoic    acid,-   53.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoic    acid,-   54.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]furan-2-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   55.    N-{3-[5-(3-Hydroxy-2(S)-phenylaminobut-3-enyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylcarboxylamide,-   56.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[6′-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-[2,2′]bipyridyl-5-yl]propanoic    acid,-   57.    1-(3-{2-[2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl]thiazol-4-yl}phenyl)-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   58.    1-(3-{5-[2(S)-Ethoxy-2-(5-propyl[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)pethyl]pyrimidin-2-yl}phenyl)-3-heptyl-1-methylurea,-   59.    1-{6-[4-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-oxo-3-piperid-1-ylpropyl)phenyl]pyrid-2-yl}-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   60.    1-(6-{4-[2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}pyrid-2-yl)-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   61.    1-{6-[4-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-morpholin-4-yl-3-oxopropyl]phenyl]pyrid-2-yl}-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   62.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   63.    {4-[4-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-oxo-3-piperid-1-ylpropyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}methylhexanoylcarboxylamide,-   64.    (4-{4-[2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethypmethylhexanoylcarboxylamide,-   65.    {4-[4-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-morpholin-4-yl-3-oxopropyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}methylhexanoylcarboxylamide,-   66.    {4-[4-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-oxo-3-piperid-1-ylpropyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}methyloctanoylcarboxylamide,-   67.    (4-{4-[2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)methyloctanoylcarboxylamide,-   68.    1-{3-[5-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-oxo-3-piperid-1-ylpropyl)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   69.    1-(3-{5-[2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-methylpiperid-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl]pyrid-2-yl}phenyl)-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   70.    1-{3-[5-(2(S)-Ethoxy-3-morpholin-4-yl-3-oxopropyl)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   71.    1-{3-[2-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)pyrimidin-5-yl]phenyl}-3-heptyl-1-methylurea,-   72.    1-{3-[2-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)pyrimidin-5-yl]phenyl}-1-methyl-3-pentylurea,-   73.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{5-[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrimidin-2-yl}propanoic    acid,-   74.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoic    acid,-   75.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{2-fluoro-4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   76.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiophen-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   77.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiophen-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   78.    2(S)-Methylamino-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   79.    2(S)-Ethylamino-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   80.    2(S)-Ethylamino-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   81.    3-(4-{5-[(Hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-methylaminopropanoic    acid,-   82.    2(S)-Ethylamino-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   83.    2(S)-Ethylamino-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   84.    3-{4-[6-(3-Heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-methylaminopropanoic    acid,-   85.    2(S)-Methylamino-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   86.    2(S)-Cyclopropylmethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   87.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[6′-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)-[2,2]bipyridyl-5-yl]propanoic    acid,-   88.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoic    acid,-   89.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoic    acid,-   90.    2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridinium    fumarate,-   91.    2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridinium    maleate,-   92.    3-{4-[6-(1-Methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-propoxypropanoic    acid,-   93.    2(S)-Isopropoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic    acid,-   94.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(5-{[(3-1H-indol-3-ylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoic    acid,-   95.    3-{4-[6-(3-Pentyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2-methylpropanoic    acid,-   96.    3-{4-[6-(3-Heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2-methylpropanoic    acid,-   97.    2-Methyl-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}phenyl)propanoic    acid,-   98.    3-{6-[3-(3-Heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-methylpropanoic    acid,-   99.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-ureido]pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic    acid,-   100.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenyl-propyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic    acid,-   101.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenyl-butyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic    acid,-   102.    3-{4-[4-(3-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl-1-methyl-ureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   103.    3-(4-{4-[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   104.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(4-{3-[2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-methyl-ureido}-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-propanoic    acid,-   105.    3-(4-{4-[3-(2-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   106.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-yl-ureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-propanoic    acid,-   107.    3-{4-[6-(3-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl-1-methyl-ureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   108.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenyl-propyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic    acid,-   109.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic    acid,-   110.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenyl-butyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic    acid,-   111.    3-(4-{6-[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   112.    3-(4-{6-[3-(2-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   113.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(6-{3-[2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-methyl-ureido}-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-propanoic    acid,-   114.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentyl-thioureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-propanoic    acid,-   115.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptyl-thioureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-propanoic    acid,-   116.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methyl-thioureido)-phenyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-propanoic    acid,-   117.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methyl-thioureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-propanoic    acid,-   118.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-ureido]-phenyl}-pyridin-3-yl-propanoic    acid,-   119.    3-(6-{3-[3-(2-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl-ethyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-phenyl}-pyridin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid,-   120.    2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenyl-propyl)-ureido]-phenyl}-pyridin-3-yl)-propanoic    acid,-   121.    3-(6-{3-[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-phenyl}-pyridin-3-yl-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoic    acid.

According to the present invention, the compounds of formula (I) thatare more particularly preferred are those that have at least one of thefollowing characteristics:

R1 is a radical of formula (a) or (b); in the case where R1 correspondsto formula (b), R3 is preferably a radical of formula (d) with R8 beinga hydroxyl, NR′R″ or heterocyclic radical and R4 preferably being aradical of formula OR9 in which R9 is an alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atomsor a group of formula (f) with R11 being a hydrogen or a group COOR10;

R2 is an alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl radical;

X is the radical of structure —CH₂N(R14)CO— or —N(R14)—CO(D)_(w)- withw=0 or 1;

the preferred compounds contain at least one group Ar1 or Ar2 ofpyridine, thiazole, pyrimidine, thiophene or triazole type.

A general description of the preparation of the compounds of generalformula (I) with R1 of formula (b), such as compounds 12 to 16 and 25 to30 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D; 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D; 3A, 3B, 3C; and 4A, 4B, 4Cattached hereto, is given below.

The reaction scheme described in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D is a generalscheme for obtaining monoheterocyclic or diheterocyclic derivatives. Itis particularly used in the case where Ar2 is a phenyl, since compound 2is then commercially available.

Compound 1 with R″′ equal to NR14G may be obtained from the aminoderivative by monoprotection, for example with a protecting group G, forexample of “boc”, “fmoc” or acetyl type, followed by an alkylation withan alkyl halide in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride.Compound 1 for which R″′ is equal to CH₂NR14G is generally prepared viaa reductive amination reaction on an aldehyde function.

The intermediate 3 is obtained via a Suzuki coupling between anarylboronic acid, such as 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid, or aheteroarylboronic acid, which is commercially available or preparedbeforehand from the corresponding halo derivative, and a halogenatedheteroaryl derivative, for instance (6-bromo-2-pyridyl)methylamine or(5-bromo-2-thiazolyl)methylamine, optionally protected with a group G asdefined above.

Compound 4 is prepared by coupling an Evans chiral reagent, for example(S)-4-benzyloxazolidin-2-one, and an acid chloride, for example of analkoxyacetic or aralkoxyacetic acid in the case of Y═O, which ispreferably commercially available, in the presence of a base, forexample butyllithium.

The chiral intermediate 5 is obtained via enantioselective addition ofcompound 4 to the intermediate 3, in the presence of a boron derivative.

Compound 6 is obtained by dehydroxylation of compound 5 using the Bartonreaction: formation of a thiocarbonic bond between the hydroxyl group tobe removed and the phenyl chlorothionoformate, followed by heating to110° C. in the presence of tributyltin hydride and a free-radical agent,AIBN.

The intermediates 9 and 11 may be prepared after deprotection of theamine (-G) by addition to an isocyanate or a thioisocyanate if D=R15 orto an acid halide if D=CH₂. The hydrolysis of the benzyloxazolidin-2-onepart to give compound 12 is performed under conditions that allowconservation of the stereochemistry of C—OR9, for example with 1.5equivalents of aqueous 1M lithium hydroxide solution in tetrahydrofuran,at room temperature.

The heterocyclic compounds 13 and 14 are synthesized via standardmethods for synthesizing heterocycles, with, in the case of compound 14,condensation of butyric hydrazide and cyclization by heating to 105° C.in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride.

The esters 15 may be prepared, for example, by esterification withalcohols HO(CH₂)_(v)R10.

The compounds 16 are obtained via an amidation reaction with an amine ofthe type HNR′R″.

Another reaction route for obtaining compounds 12 to 16 is described inFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D.

The variation of the reaction scheme arises essentially in theproduction of the derivative 5.

Specifically, the intermediate 5 may also be obtained as described inFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D via a Suzuki coupling between the boronic acid 18and the derivative 19, which is an analogue of compound 34 for whichG=R9. This synthetic route is particularly suitable for obtainingderivatives for which Ar1 is a phenyl. When Ar1 is an aromaticheterocycle, the corresponding boronic acid should be preparedbeforehand according to the standard methods.

The derivative 19 is obtained according to the scheme described in FIGS.5A and 5B: the preparation of compound 32 is performed by coupling anEvans chiral reagent, for example (S)-4-benzyloxazolidin-2-one, and anacid chloride, the function Y optionally being protected with a group Gor alkylated, which is preferably commercially available, in thepresence of a base, for example butyllithium. The condensation of thederivative 32 with the halogenated aldehyde 31 allows the production ofcompound 33. Via a Barton dehydroxylation reaction, compound 34, or 19when the function Y is alkylated with a group R9, is obtained.

Derivative 34 is obtained by dehydroxylation of compound 33 using theBarton reaction, the chiral intermediate 33 having been obtained byenantioselective addition of compound 32 to the halogenated aromaticaldehyde 31, in the presence of a boron derivative. For the compoundswith Y equal to N and Ar2 being a phenyl, the intermediate 36 may beobtained from the methyl ester of 4-bromophenylalanine (L or D) or themethyl ester of tyrosine (L or D) by addition to an acid halide (n=1) oralkylation using an alkyl halide (n=0).

Another synthetic route described in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 4A, 4B, 4C maybe used.

Intermediate 20 is obtained via a Suzuki coupling between thearylboronic acid 18, such as 3-formylbenzeneboronic acid, or theheteroarylboronic acid, which is commercially available or preparedbeforehand from the corresponding halo derivative, and derivative 36(FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C). Compound 20 may also be obtained via a Suzukireaction between a halogenated heteroaryl derivative and a boronicderivative 51 prepared beforehand. This route is often followed in thecase of a group Ar2 such as a phenyl (FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C).

Intermediate 36 may be prepared from compound 34 as shown in FIGS. 5Aand 5B, after deprotection of the amine (-G) via addition to an acidhalide (n=1) or alkylation with an alkyl halide (n=0).

Another route for preparing compound 36, in the case of Ar2 equal to aphenyl, consists in opening a chiral epoxide, for example 2(S)-methylglycidate, with a monocuprate derivative formed from 1,4-dibromobenzene,followed by an enantioselective acylation or alkylation, for example inthe presence of an alkyl halide and silver oxide. Compound 51 is thenobtained by reacting compound 36 with bis(pinacolato)diborane in thepresence of a palladium-based catalyst and potassium acetate indimethylformamide.

Intermediates 22 and 24 may be prepared after deprotecting the amine(-G) (compounds 21 and 23) by addition to an isocyanate or athioisocyanate if D=NR15 or to an acid halide if D=CH₂.

The hydrolysis of the benzyloxazolidin-2-one or alkyl ester part to givecompound 25 is performed under conditions that allow the stereochemistryof the C—OR9 to be conserved, for example with 1.5 equivalents ofaqueous 1M lithium hydroxide solution in tetrahydrofuran, at roomtemperature.

Compound 25 thus obtained is converted into compounds 26, 27, 28 and 29according to the methods described successively for obtaining thederivatives 13, 14, 15 and 16.

A general description of the preparation of the compounds of generalformula (I) with R1 of formula (a) (compound 44 of FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C andFIGS. 7A, 7B attached hereto) is given below.

The reaction scheme described in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C is a general schemefor obtaining monoheterocyclic or diheterocyclic derivatives for whichthe variations of groups R2 are produced at the end of the synthesis.

The condensation of 2,4-thiazolidinedione with the aldehyde 3 (obtainedas described above) in the presence of piperidinium acetate, forexample, gives compound 37.

Intermediate 38 is obtained by reduction of the nitro function with tinchloride in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Intermediates 39 and 40are obtained by deprotection of the amine (-G).

Compounds 41 and 42, which may be grouped together under compound 43(z=0 or z=1, respectively) may be prepared by addition to an isocyanateor a thioisocyanate if D=NR15 or to an acid halide if D=CH₂.

Compound 44 is obtained, for example, by hydrogenation of compound 43under a pressure of 3 atmospheres, in the presence ofpalladium-on-charcoal in a solvent, for instance dioxane.

The reaction scheme described in FIGS. 7A, 7B is a scheme for which thevarious groups R2 are introduced at the start of the synthesis.

Compound 45 is obtained by reduction of the nitro function ofcompound 1. Intermediates 46 and 47 are obtained by deprotection of theamine function (-G).

Intermediates 48 and 49 are obtained by addition to an isocyanate or athioisocyanate if D=NR15 or to an acid halide if D=CH₂.

Via a Suzuki reaction between compounds 48 or 49 and the boronic acid 2,compound 50 is obtained.

The condensation of 2,4-thiazolidinedione with the aldehyde 50, i.e,compound 41 if z=0 or compound 42 if z=1 (obtained as described above)in the presence of piperidinium acetate, for example, gives compound 43.

Compound 44 is obtained, for example, by hydrogenation of compound 43under a pressure of 3 atmospheres, in the presence ofpalladium-on-charcoal, in a solvent, for instance dioxane.

The compounds according to the invention show modulatory properties onreceptors of PPAR type. This activity on the PPARα, δ and γ receptors ismeasured in a transactivation test and quantified via the dissociationconstant Kdapp (apparent), as described in Example 29.

The preferred compounds of the present invention have a dissociationconstant of less than or equal to 5000 nM and advantageously less thanor equal to 1000 nM.

Preferably, the compounds are modulators of receptors of specific PPARγtype, i.e, they have a ratio between the Kdapp for the PPARα and PPARδreceptors, and the Kdapp for the PPARγ receptors, of greater than orequal to 10. Preferably, this ratio PPARγ/PPARα or PPARγ/PPARδ isgreater than or equal to 50 and more advantageously greater than orequal to 100.

The present invention also features, as medicinal products, thecompounds of formula (I) as described above.

The present invention also features the use of the compounds of formula(I) to manufacture a composition for regulating and/or restoring themetabolism of skin lipids.

The compounds according to the invention are also particularly suitablein the following fields of treatment:

1) for treating dermatological complaints, conditions or afflictionsassociated with a keratinization disorder relating to differentiationand to proliferation, in particular for treating common acne, comedones,polymorphs, rosacea, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, senile acne andsecondary acne such as solar, medicinal or occupational acne,

2) for treating other types of keratinization disorder, in particularichthyosis, ichthyosiform conditions, Darier's disease, palmoplantarkeratoderma, leukoplakia and leukoplakiform conditions, and cutaneous ormucous (oral) lichen,

3) for treating other dermatological complaints or afflictions with aninflammatory immuno-allergic component, with or without a cellularproliferation disorder, and in particular all forms of psoriasis,whether cutaneous, mucous or ungual psoriasis, and even psoriaticarthritis, or alternatively cutaneous atopy such as eczema, orrespiratory atopy or gingival hypertrophy,

4) for treating all dermal or epidermal proliferations, whether benignor malignant, whether or not of viral origin, such as common warts, flatwarts and epidermodysplasia verruciformis, oral or floridpapillomatoses, T lymphoma and proliferations which may be induced byultraviolet light, in particular in the case of basal cell andspinocellular epithelioma, and also any precancerous skin lesion such askeratoacanthomas,

5) for treating other dermatological disorders such as immunedermatitides, such as lupus erythematosus, bullous immune diseases andcollagen diseases, such as scleroderma,

6) in the treatment of dermatological or systemic complaints orafflictions having an immunological component,

7) in the treatment of skin disorders due to exposure to UV radiation,and also for repairing or combating ageing of the skin, whetherlight-induced or chronological ageing, or for reducing actinic keratosesand pigmentations, or any pathology associated with chronological oractinic ageing, such as xerosis,

8) for combating sebaceous function disorders such as thehyperseborrhoea of acne, simple seborrhoea or seborrhoeic dermatitis,

9) for preventing or treating cicatrization disorders or for preventingor repairing stretch marks,

10) in the treatment of pigmentation disorders, such ashyperpigmentation, melasma, hypopigmentation or vitiligo,

11) in the treatment of lipid metabolism complaints or afflications,such as obesity, hyperlipidaemia, non-insulin-dependent diabetes orsyndrome X,

12) in the treatment of inflammatory complaints or afflictions, such asarthritis,

13) in the treatment or prevention of cancerous or precancerousconditions,

14) in the prevention or treatment of alopecia of various origins, inparticular alopecia caused by chemotherapy or radiation,

15) in the treatment of immune system disorders, such as asthma, type Isugar diabetes, multiple sclerosis or other selective dysfunctions ofthe immune system, or

16) in the treatment of complaints or afflictions of the cardiovascularsystem, such as arteriosclerosis or hypertension.

The present invention also features pharmaceutical or cosmeticcompositions comprising, formulated into a physiologically acceptablemedium, at least one compound of formula (I) as defined above.

The composition according to the invention may be administeredenterally, parenterally, topically or ocularly. The pharmaceuticalcomposition is preferably packaged in a form that is suitable fortopical application.

Via the enteral route, the composition, more particularly thepharmaceutical composition, may be in the form of tablets, gel capsules,sugar-coated tablets, syrups, suspensions, solutions, powders, granules,emulsions or lipid or polymer vesicles or nanospheres or microspheres toallow controlled release. Via the parenteral route, the composition maybe in the form of solutions or suspensions for infusion or forinjection.

The compounds according to the invention are generally administered at adaily dose of about 0.001 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight in 1 to 3dosage intakes.

The compounds are used systemically at a concentration generally of from0.001% to 10% by weight and preferably from 0.01% to 1% by weightrelative to the weight of the composition.

Via the topical route, the pharmaceutical composition according to theinvention is more particularly intended for treating the skin and mucousmembranes and may be in the form of ointments, creams, milks, salves,powders, impregnated pads, syndets, solutions, gels, sprays, foams,suspensions, stick lotions, shampoos or washing bases. It may also be inthe form of suspensions of lipid or polymer vesicles or nanospheres ormicrospheres or polymer patches and hydrogels to allow controlledrelease. This topical-route composition may be in anhydrous form, inaqueous form or in the form of an emulsion.

The compounds are used topically at a concentration generally of from0.001% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 1% by weight relativeto the total weight of the composition.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the invention also find anapplication in the cosmetic field, in particular in body and hairhygiene and more particularly for regulating and/or restoring skin lipidmetabolism.

The invention therefore also features the cosmetic use of a compositioncomprising, in a physiologically acceptable support, at least one of thecompounds of formula (I) for body or hair hygiene.

The cosmetic compositions according to the invention containing, in acosmetically acceptable support, at least one compound of formula (I) oran optical or geometrical isomer thereof or a salt thereof, may usuallybe in the form of a cream, a milk, a lotion, a gel, suspensions of lipidor polymer vesicles or nanospheres or microspheres, impregnated pads,solutions, sprays, foams, sticks, soaps, shampoos or washing bases.

The concentration of compound of formula (I) in the cosmetic compositionis from 0.0001% to 2% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions as described above may alsocontain inert or even pharmacodynamically active additives as regardsthe pharmaceutical compositions, or combinations of these additives, andespecially:

wetting agents;

flavor enhancers;

preservatives such as para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters;

stabilizers;

humidity regulators;

pH regulators;

osmotic pressure modifiers;

emulsifiers;

UV-A and UV-B screening agents;

antioxidants, such as α-tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole orbutylhydroxytoluene, superoxide dismutase, ubiquinol or certainmetal-chelating agents;

depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, caffeic acid orkojic acid;

emollients;

moisturizers, for instance glycerol, PEG 400, thiamorpholinone andderivatives thereof, or urea;

anti-seborrhoeic or anti-acne agents, such as S-carboxymethylcysteine,S-benzylcysteamine, salts thereof or derivatives thereof, or benzoylperoxide;

antibiotics, for instance erythromycin and its esters, neomycin,clindamycin and its esters, and tetracyclines;

anti-fungal agents such as ketoconazole orpolymethylene-4,5-isothiazolidones-3;

agents for promoting regrowth of the hair, for instance Minoxidil(2,4-diamino-6-piperidinopyrimidine 3-oxide) and its derivatives,Diazoxide (7-chloro-3-methyl-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide) andPhenyloin (5,4-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione);

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents;

carotenoids, and especially β-carotene;

anti-psoriatic agents such as anthralin and its derivatives;

eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraynoic acid and eicosa-5,8,11-triynoic acid, andesters and amides thereof;

retinoids, i.e, RAR or RXR receptor ligands, which may be natural orsynthetic;

corticosteroids or oestrogens;

α-hydroxy acids and α-keto acids or derivatives thereof, such as lacticacid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, tartaricacid, glyceric acid or ascorbic acid, and also the salts, amides oresters thereof, or β-hydroxy acids or derivatives thereof, such assalicylic acid and the salts, amides or esters thereof;

ion-channel blockers such as potassium-channel blockers;

or alternatively, more particularly for the pharmaceutical compositions,in combination with medicinal products known to interfere with theimmune system (for example cyclosporin, FK 506, glucocorticoids,monoclonal antibodies, cytokines or growth factors, etc.).

Needless to say, one skilled in this art will take care to select theoptional compound(s) to be added to these compositions such that theadvantageous properties intrinsically associated with the presentinvention are not, or are not substantially, adversely affected by theenvisaged addition.

The present invention also features a cosmetic regime or regimen forbeautifying the skin, wherein a composition comprising at least onecompound of formula (I) as defined above is topically applied onto theskin. Regulation and/or restoration of the metabolism of the skin lipidsmakes it possible to obtain skin whose surface appearance isembellished.

Several examples of the production of active compounds of formula (I)according to the invention, and also biological activity results forsuch compounds and various concrete formulations based on its compoundswill now be given, by way of illustration and in nowise limitative.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis ofN-{4-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide(a) Preparation of (4-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine

18 g (260 mmol) of methylamine hydrochloride and then 7.5 g (100 mmol)of sodium cyanoborohydride are successively added to a solution of 10 g(50 mmol) of 4-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde in 150 ml of methanol.The reaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and thenfiltered under vacuum. After evaporating the filtrate to dryness, theresidue is taken up in dichloromethane. The organic phase obtained iswashed with 1N hydrochloric acid solution. The aqueous phase thusobtained is treated with aqueous 1N sodium hydroxide solution andextracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. 4.5 g (44%) of(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine are obtained.

(b) Preparation of N-(4-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide

2.8 ml (24 mmol) of benzoyl chloride are added dropwise to a solution of4.5 g (22 mmol) of (4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine and 6 ml (44mmol) of triethylamine in 75 ml of tetrahydrofuran. After stirring atroom temperature for 1 hour, the precipitate is filtered off and thefiltrate is concentrated under vacuum. The residue is taken up indichloromethane and washed with water.

The organic phase obtained is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andconcentrated under vacuum. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2 heptane/ethylacetate mixture. 4.8 g (71%) of N-(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide are obtained in the form of an oil.

(c) Preparation ofN-[4-(4-Formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyl-benzamide

3 g (20 mmol) of 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid are added to a solution of4.75 g (15 mmol) of N-(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl) -N-methylbenzamide in60 ml of toluene, followed by dropwise addition of 5.5 g (40 mmol) ofaqueous potassium carbonate solution. The reaction medium is degassed,530 mg (0.5 mmol) of tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium are thenadded and the medium is heated at 80° C. for 18 hours. After extractionwith ethyl acetate and washing with water, the organic phase is driedover magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. Theresidue obtained is purified by chromatography on a column of silicaeluted with a 1/1 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 4 g (78%) ofN-[4-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyl-benzamide areobtained.

(d) Preparation ofN-{4-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide

A solution of 4 g (9 mmol) ofN-[4-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide, 1.1 g (9mmol) of 2,4-thiazolidinedione and 0.3 g (1.8 mmol) of piperidiniumacetate in 40 ml of toluene is refluxed for 2 hours in a Dean-Starksystem. The reaction medium is cooled and the precipitate is filteredoff under vacuum. 3 g (78%) ofN-{4-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamideare obtained.

(e) Synthesis ofN-{4-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide

2 g (1 mass equivalent) of palladium-on-charcoal are added to a solutionof 2 g (4.6 mmol) ofN-{4-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamidein 20 ml of dioxane that has been degassed beforehand, and the reactionmedium is placed under 3 atm of hydrogen, at 50° C. for 6 hours. Afterfiltering off the palladium through Celite, the filtrate is concentratedunder vacuum. The residue obtained is purified by chromatography on acolumn of silica eluted with a 9.5/0.5 dichloromethane/methanol mixture.1.5 g (75%) ofN-{4-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-2-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamideare obtained in the form of a solid with a melting point of 134° C.

¹H NMR (δ, CDCl₃): 2.98-3.10 (m, 3H); 3.15 (dd, J=22 Hz, J=7 Hz, 1H);3.52 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=22 Hz, 1H); 4.53 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=15 Hz, 1H);4.63-4.89 (m, 2H); 7.15-7.54 (m, 11H); 8.94 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide(a) Preparation of Ethyl thiophene-3-carboxylate

13 ml (200 mmol) of thionyl chloride are added dropwise, at 0° C., to asolution of 9 g (70 mmol) of 3-thiophenecarboxylic acid and 86 mg (0.7mmol) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in 100 ml of ethanol. The reactionmedium is stirred from 0° C. to room temperature over 48 hours and thenevaporated to dryness. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 1/1heptane/dichloromethane mixture. 10 g (91%) of ethylthiophene-3-carboxylate are obtained.

(b) Preparation of Ethyl 5-bromothiophene-3-carboxylate

20 g (147 mmol) of aluminum chloride are added portionwise to a solutionof 10 g (67 mmol) of ethyl thiophene-3-carboxylate in 160 ml ofdichloromethane, cooled beforehand to 0° C. The reaction medium iswarmed to room temperature and a solution of 4 ml (73 mmol) of brominein 10 ml of dichloromethane is then added. After reaction for 50 minutesat room temperature, the reaction medium is poured into a water+icemixture and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is driedover magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. Theresidue obtained is purified by chromatography on a column of silicaeluted with a 9/1 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 9 g (57%) of ethyl5-bromothiophene-3-carboxylate are obtained.

(c) Preparation of 5-Bromothiophene-3-carboxylic acid

7.4 g (185 mmol) of sodium hydroxide pellets are added to a solution of8.7 g (37 mmol) of ethyl 5-bromothiophene-3-carboxylate in 100 ml oftetrahydrofuran, 10 ml of methanol and a few drops of water. Afterstirring at room temperature for 18 hours, the reaction medium is takenup in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The aqueous phase obtained isacidified to pH 1 with aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and thenextracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase obtained is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. 7 g (92%) of5-bromothiophene-3-carboxylic acid are obtained.

(d) Preparation of 5-Bromothiophene-N-methyl-3-carboxylamide

4.7 g (35 mmol) of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, 2.2 g (32 mmol) ofmethylamine hydrochloride and 4.5 ml (32 mmol) of triethylamine aresuccessively added to a solution of 6.7 g (32 mmol) of5-bromothiophene-3-carboxylic acid in 120 ml of dichloromethane. Thereaction medium is cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 6.7 g (35 mmol) of1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride is addeddropwise. After 1 hour at 0° C., the reaction medium is stirred at roomtemperature for 2 days. The dichloromethane phase is washed with water,dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. Theresidue obtained is triturated from a heptane/ethyl acetate mixture,filtered and evaporated. 5.6 g (60%) of5-bromothiophene-N-methyl-3-carboxylamide are obtained.

(e) Preparation of (5-Bromothiophen-3-ylmethyl)methylamine

A solution of 9 ml (18 mmol) of 2M dimethyl sulfide borohydride intoluene is added dropwise to a suspension of 3.7 g (17 mmol) of5-bromothiophene-N-methyl-3-carboxylamide in 50 ml of toluene, cooledbeforehand to −78° C. After addition, the reaction medium is stirredfrom −78° C. to room temperature over 16 hours and then refluxed for 5hours. Aqueous 10% sodium carbonate solution is added to the reactionmedium, and the medium is extracted with dichloromethane. Afteracid-base washing, the organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate,filtered and concentrated under vacuum. 2.3 g (66%) of(5-bromothiophen-3-ylmethyl)methylamine are obtained.

(f) Preparation of N-(5-Bromothiophen-3-ylmethyl)-N-methyl benzamide

1.6 ml (13 mmol) of benzoyl chloride are added dropwise to a solution of2.3 g (11 mmol) of (5-bromothiophen-3-ylmethyl)methylamine and 3 ml (22mmol) of triethylamine in 30 ml of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mediumis stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, filtered, diluted with ethylacetate and washed with water. The organic phase obtained is dried oversodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue obtainedis purified by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 3.1 g (80%) ofN-(5-bromothiophen-3-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide are obtained.

(g) Preparation ofN-[5-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-3-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(c), starting with 3 g (10 mmol)of N-(5-bromothiophen-3-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide and 1.9 g (13 mmol)of 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid, 2.6 g (80%) ofN-[5-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-3-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide are obtainedafter purification by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with a7/3 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.

(h) Preparation ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(d), starting with 2.6 g (8mmol) of N-[5-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-3-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide and1 g (8.5 mmol) of 2,4-thiazolidinedione, 2.2 g (63%) ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamideare obtained.

(i) Synthesis ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(e), by hydrogenation of 1.8 g(4.2 mmol) ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide,800 mg (45%) ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]thiophen-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamideare obtained in the form of a solid with a melting point of 153° C.

¹H NMR (δ, CDCl₃): 2.93-3.10 (m, 3H); 3.15 (dd, J=22 Hz, J=7 Hz, 1H);3.51 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=22 Hz, 1H); 4.49 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=15 Hz, 1H);4.63-4.89 (m, 2H); 7.02-7.69 (m, 11H); 9.36 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide(a) Preparation of Ethyl 5-bromonicotinate

20 ml (27 mmol) of thionyl chloride are added dropwise, at roomtemperature, to a solution of 10 g (49 mmol) of 5-bromonicotinic acid in250 ml of ethanol. The reaction medium is stirred at room temperaturefor 4 days and then evaporated under vacuum. The residue is taken up indichloromethane and washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution. Theorganic phase is dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporatedunder vacuum. The residue obtained is purified by chromatography on acolumn of silica eluted with a 7/3 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 9 g(82%) of ethyl 5-bromonicotinate are obtained.

(b) Preparation of (5-Bromopyrid-3-yl)methanol

A solution of 9 g (40 mmol) of ethyl 5-bromonicotinate in 25 ml ofmethanol is added dropwise, at room temperature, to a suspension of 14.8g (400 mmol) of sodium borohydride in 75 ml of methanol. After addition,the reaction medium is refluxed for 2 hours. The reaction medium isevaporated to dryness, taken up in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution topH 9, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. 3.7 g (50%) of(5-bromopyrid-3-yl)methanol are obtained.

(c) Preparation of 5-Bromopyridine-3-carbaldehyde

4.5 g (21 mmol) of pyridinium chlorochromate are added at roomtemperature to a solution of 3 g (16 mmol) of(5-bromopyrid-3-yl)methanol in 70 ml of dichloromethane. After stirringfor 1 hour, 70 ml of diethyl ether are added and the reaction medium isagain stirred for 1 hour. The precipitate is filtered off through sodiumsulfate and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue obtainedis purified by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 7/3heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 1 g (35%) of5-bromopyridine-3-carbaldehyde is obtained.

(d) Preparation of (5-Bromopyrid-3-ylmethyl)methylamine

1.8 g (27 mmol) of methylamine hydrochloride and then 0.4 g (6 mmol) ofsodium cyanoborohydride are successively added to a solution of 1 g (5.4mmol) of 5-bromopyridine-3-carbaldehyde in 20 ml of methanol. Thereaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 2 days. Theprecipitate is filtered off and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness.The residue is taken up in dichloromethane and washed with water. Afterextraction, the organic phase obtained is washed with aqueoushydrochloric acid solution. The aqueous phase thus obtained is broughtto pH 9 with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and then extracted withdichloromethane. The organic phase thus obtained is dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The residue obtained ispurified by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 9.5/0.5dichloromethane/methanol mixture. 0.5 g (50%) of(5-bromopyrid-3-ylmethyl)methylamine is obtained.

(e) Preparation of N-(5-Bromopyrid-3-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 2(f), starting with 0.5 g (3mmol) of (5-bromopyrid-3-ylmethyl)methylamine and 0.4 ml (3.6 mmol) ofbenzoyl chloride, 0.8 g (90%) of N-(5-bromopyrid-3-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide is obtained.

(f) Preparation ofN-[5-(4-Formylphenyl)pyrid-3-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(c), starting with 0.8 g (2.6mmol) of N-[5-(4-formylphenyl)pyrid-3-ylmethyl)-N-methylbenzamide and0.5 g (3.15 mmol) of 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid, 0.8 g (93%) ofN45-(4-formylphenyl)pyrid-3-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide is obtainedafter purification on a column of silica eluted with a 7/3 heptane/ethylacetate mixture.

(g) Preparation ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(d), starting with 0.8 g (2.4mmol) of N-[5-(4-formylphenyl)pyrid-3-ylmethyl]-N-methylbenzamide and0.35 g (2.9 mmol) of 2,4-thiazolidinedione, 0.6 g (60%) ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamideis obtained.

(h) Synthesis ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(e), by hydrogenation of 0.6 g(1.4 mmol) ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamide,0.2 g (33%) ofN-{5-[4-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)phenyl]pyrid-3-ylmethyl}-N-methylbenzamideis obtained in the form of a solid with a melting point of 92° C.

¹H NMR (δ, CDCl₃): 2.96-3.10 (m, 3H); 3.20 (dd, J=22 Hz, J=7 Hz, 1H);3.58 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=22 Hz, 1H); 4.55 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=15 Hz, 1H);4.573-4.84 (m, 2H); 7.30-8.60 (m, 12H); 8.79 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis ofN-{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamide(a) Preparation of Ethyl 6-(3-formylphenyl)nicotinate

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(c), starting with 26.3 g (95mmol) of ethyl 6-iodonicotinate and 18.5 g (123 mmol) of4-formylbenzeneboronic acid, 6 g (27%) of ethyl6-(3-formylphenyl)nicotinate are obtained after chromatography on acolumn of silica eluted with a 7/3 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.

(b) Preparation of Ethyl 6-(3-methylaminomethylphenyl)nicotinate

In a manner similar to that of Example 3(d), starting with 6.2 g (25.5mmol) of ethyl 6-(3-formylphenyl)nicotinate and 8.6 g (127.5 mmol) ofmethylamine hydrochloride, 2.7 g (40%) of ethyl6-(3-methylaminomethylphenyl)nicotinate are obtained after purificationby chromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 95/5/0.5dichloromethane/methanol/isopropylamine mixture.

(c) Preparation of Ethyl6-{3-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]phenyl}nicotinate

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(b), starting with 2.1 g (7.8mmol) of ethyl 6-(3-methylaminomethylphenyl)nicotinate and 1.3 g (8mmol) of octanoyl chloride, 2.9 g (100%) of ethyl6-{3-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]phenyl}nicotinate are obtained afterpurification by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 6/4heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.

(d) Preparation ofN-[3-(5-Hydroxymethylpyrid-2-yl)benzyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide

0.8 g (35 mmol) of lithium borohydride is added slowly to a solution of3.3 g (9 mmol) of ethyl6-{3-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]phenyl}nicotinate in 35 ml oftetrahydrofuran, cooled beforehand to 0° C. The reaction medium isstirred from 0° C. to room temperature over 24 hours and then pouredinto a water+ice mixture and extracted with ethyl acetate.

The organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate, filtered andconcentrated under vacuum. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2 heptane/ethylacetate mixture. 1.9 g (61%) ofN-[3-(5-hydroxymethylpyrid-2-yl)benzyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide areobtained.

(e) Preparation ofN-[3-(5-Formylpyrid-2-yl)benzyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide

5.5 g (63 mmol) of manganese dioxide are placed in a solution of 2.25 g(6.3 mmol) ofN-[3-(5-hydroxymethylpyrid-2-yl)benzyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide in 50 mlof dichloromethane. After stirring at room temperature for 18 hours, thereaction medium is filtered through Celite, the precipitate is washedthoroughly with dichloromethane and the filtrate is concentrated undervacuum. 1.7 g (78%) ofN-[3-(5-formylpyrid-2-yl)benzyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide are obtained.

(f) Preparation ofN-{3-[5-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(d), starting with 1.7 g (4.8mmol) of N-[3-(5-formylpyrid-2-yl)benzyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide and 0.6g (4.8 mmol) of 2,4-thiazolidinedione, 1.4 g (62%) ofN-{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamideare obtained after purification by chromatography on a column of silicaeluted with a 4/6 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.

(g) Synthesis of N-{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(e), by hydrogenation of 400 mg(0.9 mmol) ofN-{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamide,210 mg (53%) ofN-{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)pyrid-2-yl]benzyl}-N-methyloctanoylamideare obtained after purification on a column of silica eluted with a 3/7heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.

¹H NMR (δ, CDCl₃): 0.84 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H); 1.21-1.35 (m, 8H); 1.69 (m,2H); 2.40 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H); 2.97 (s, 3H); 3.30 (dd, J=22 Hz, J=7 Hz,1H); 3.48 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=22 Hz, 1H); 4.57 (dd, J=6.1 Hz, J=15 Hz, 1H);4.57 3-4.68 (m, 2H); 7.20-7.86 (m, 7H); 8.57 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid (a) Preparation of (4-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine

In a manner similar to that of Example 3(d), starting with 4.7 g (24.6mmol) of 4-bromothiophene-2-carbaldehyde and 8.3 g (123 mmol) ofmethylamine hydrochloride, 1.7 g (33%) of(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine are obtained after purificationby chromatography on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2 heptane/ethylacetate mixture.

(b) Preparation of N-(4-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(b), starting with 1.7 g (8.25mmol) of (4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine and 1.6 ml (9 mmol) ofoctanoyl chloride, 2.1 g (80%) ofN-(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide are obtained afterpurification on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2 heptane/ethylacetate mixture.

(c) Preparation ofN-[4-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethy]-N-methyloctanoylamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(c), starting with 2.1 g (6.3mmol) of N-(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide and 1.1 g(7.6 mmol) of 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid, 1.4 g (61%) ofN-[4-(4-formylphenypthiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide areobtained after purification by chromatography on a column of silicaeluted with a 7/3 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.

(d) Preparation ofN-(4-{4-[3-(4-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-1(S)-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide Preparation of4(S)-benzyl-3-(2-ethoxyacetyl)oxazolidin-2-one

93 ml (232 mmol) of butyllithium are added dropwise to a solution of 41g (232 mmol) of S-(−)-4-benzyloxazolidin-2-one in 600 ml oftetrahydrofuran cooled beforehand to −78° C. After stirring for 30minutes, 35 g (279 mmol) of ethoxyacetyl chloride are added dropwise.After stirring for 1 hour at −78° C., the reaction medium is stirred atroom temperature for 18 hours. The reaction medium is evaporated todryness, taken up in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organicphase is dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residueobtained is purified by chromatography on a column of silica eluted withan 8/2 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 54 g (90%) of4(S)-benzyl-3-(2-ethoxyacetyl)oxazolidin-2-one are obtained.

Preparation ofN-(4-{4-[3-(4-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-1(S)-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide

5.9 ml (5.9 mmol) of dibutylboron triflate are added dropwise to asolution of 1.2 g (4.7 mmol) of4(S)-benzyl-3-(2-ethoxyacetyl)oxazolidin-2-one in 20 ml ofdichloromethane, cooled beforehand to 0° C., followed by addition of 1ml (5.9 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine. The reaction medium is stirredat 0° C. for 30 minutes and then cooled to −78° C. and 1.4 g (3.9 mmol)of N-[4-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide in 15ml of dichloromethane are added dropwise.

Stirring is continued at −78° C. for 1 hour and then at room temperaturefor 2 hours 30 minutes. The reaction medium is cooled to 0° C. and 11 mlof a pH 7 buffer solution in 11 ml of methanol are added, followed byaddition of 11 ml of 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in 11 ml ofmethanol. After stirring at 0° C. for 1 hour 30 minutes, water is addedand the reaction medium is extracted with dichloromethane. The organicphase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. Theresidue obtained is purified by chromatography through a column ofsilica eluted with a 6/4 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 1.8 g (75%) ofN-(4-{4-[3-(4-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl-2-ethoxy-1-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamideare obtained.

(e) Preparation of(4-{4-[3-(4-Benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)methyloctanoylamide

0.9 ml (1.8 mmol) of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide is added to asolution of 1 g (1.6 mmol) ofN-(4-{4-[3-(4-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2-ethoxy-1-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamidein 20 ml of dichloromethane, cooled beforehand to −78° C. After stirringat −78° C. for 1 hour, 0.25 ml (1.8 mmol) of phenyl chlorothionoformateis added and the reaction medium is stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour andthen at room temperature for 2 hours. After adding water, the reactionmedium is extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase isevaporated under vacuum. The residue obtained is placed in 30 ml oftoluene, and 13 mg (0.1 mmol) of 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) and0.65 ml (2.4 mmol) of tributyltin hydride are then added. The reactionmedium is heated at 110° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction medium iscooled, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organicphase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. Theresidue obtained is purified by chromatography on a column of silicaeluted with a 6/4 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.65 g (65%) of(4-{4-[3-(4-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)methyloctanoylamideis obtained.

(f) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid

1.3 ml (1.6 mmol) of aqueous 0.5 N lithium hydroxide solution are addedto a solution of 0.6 g (1 mmol) of(4-{4-[3-(4-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)methyloctanoylamidein 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran, cooled to 0° C. After stirring at 0° C. for30 minutes, the reaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 1hour 30 minutes. Water and ethyl acetate are added to the reactionmedium, and an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is then added until pH8-9 is obtained. After extraction and separation of the phases, repeatedtwice, the product is in the aqueous phase. This aqueous phase isacidified to pH 3-4 with aqueous 1N hydrochloric acid solution,extracted with ethyl acetate, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. The residue obtained is purified by chromatography on acolumn of silica eluted with a 98/2 dichloromethane/methanol mixture.0.35 g (76%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (δ, CDCl₃): 0.89 (m, 3H); 1.19 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H); 1.30-1.34 (m,8H); 1.69 (m, 2H); 2.36-2.50 (m, 2H); 3.03 (s, 3H); 3.06 (m, 1H); 3.15(dd, J=4.0 Hz, J=14.0 Hz, 1H); 3.41-3.45 (m, 1H); 4.09-4.12 (m, 1H);4.10 (dd, J=4.0 Hz, J=7.0 Hz, 1H); 4.69-4.74 (m, 2H); 7.19-7.35 (m, 4H);7.49 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid (a) Preparation of (5-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methylamine

14 g (209 mmol) of methylamine hydrochloride are added to a solution of5 g (42 mmol) of 5-bromothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde in 80 ml of ethanoland 40 ml of methanol. The reaction medium is cooled to 0° C. and 5.8 g(83.8 mmol) of sodium cyanoborohydride are added. The reaction medium isstirred at 0° C. for 5 hours, hydrolysed and diluted with ethyl acetate.The organic phase is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate,filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is taken up in a 70/30heptane/dichloromethane mixture and then filtered. 6.7 g of cruderesidue are obtained.

(b) Preparation of (5-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide

6.2 ml (35.7 mmol) of octanoyl chloride are added dropwise to a solutionof 6.7 g (32.5 mmol) of crude residual(5-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methylamine obtained in 6a, in 120 ml oftetrahydrofuran and 5 ml (35.7 mmol) of triethylamine, cooled beforehandto 0° C. The reaction medium is stirred for 30 minutes at 0° C. and thenfor 4 hours at room temperature. After addition of water, the reactionmedium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed withaqueous sodium chloride solution, isolated and then evaporated. Theresidue obtained is purified by chromatography on a column of silicaeluted with an 8/2 and then 7/3 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 1.2 g(11%) of (5-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide areobtained.

(c) Preparation of[5-(4-Formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide

5.4 ml (10.8 mmol) of aqueous potassium carbonate solution are added toa solution of 1.2 g (3.6 mmol) of(5-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide and 0.65 g (4.3 mmol)of 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid in 20 ml of toluene. The reaction mediumis degassed and 0.12 g (0.1 mmol) oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium is then added. The reaction mediumis stirred at 90° C. for 5 hours. After addition of water, the reactionmedium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained ispurified by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2 andthen 7/3 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.25 g (19%) of[5-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide isobtained.

(d) Preparation ofN-(5-{4-[3-(4(S)-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-1(S)-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide

2.26 ml (2.26 mmol) of a solution of dibutylborane triflate are addeddropwise to a solution of 0.48 g (1.8 mmol) of[5-(4-formylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]-N-methyloctanoylamide in 12 mlof dichloromethane, cooled to 0° C., followed by addition of 0.39 ml(2.26 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine. The reaction medium is stirred at0° C. for 30 minutes and then cooled to −78° C. A solution of 0.54 g(1.5 mmol) of 4(S)-benzyl-3-(2-ethoxyacetyl)oxazolidin-2-one (preparedas described in Example 5d) in 5 ml of dichloromethane is addeddropwise. The reaction medium is stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour and thenat room temperature for 2 hours 30 minutes. After cooling to 0° C., amixture of 4 ml of a pH 7 buffer solution and 4 ml of methanol is addeddropwise, followed by dropwise addition of a mixture of 4 ml of aqueous30% hydrogen peroxide solution and 4 ml of methanol. The reaction mediumis stirred for 1 hour at room temperature, water is added and the mediumis extracted with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane phase is driedover magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained ispurified by chromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 7/3 andthen 6/4 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.62 g (66%) ofN-(5-{4-[3-(4(S)-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl-2(S)-ethoxy-1(S)-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamideis obtained.

(e) Preparation ofO-[3-(4(S)-Benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-1-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}phenyl)-3-oxopropyl]O-phenylthiocarbonate

0.55 ml (1.1 mmol) of sodium trimethylsilylamide is added to a solutionof 0.62 g (1 mmol) of N-(5-{4-[3-(4(S)-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-1(S)-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide in 15 ml of tetrahydrofuran, cooled beforehand to−78° C., and the reaction medium is stirred for 1 hour at −78° C.,followed by addition of 0.15 ml (1.1 mmol) of phenylchlorothionoformate. The reaction medium is again stirred at −78° C. for1 hour and then at room temperature for 1 hour. After addition of water,the reaction medium is extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phaseis dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The crudeproduct is used in step f.

(f) Preparation of(5-{4-[3-(4(S)-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamide

The crude product obtained from step e is placed in 15 ml of toluenewith 0.01 g (0.05 mmol) of AiBN and 0.4 ml (1.5 mmol) of tributyltinhydride. After heating at 110° C. for 45 minutes, the reaction has notchanged. 0.56 ml (2.1 mmol) of tributyltin hydride is added and thereaction medium is stirred at 110° C. for 2 hours. Water is added andthe reaction medium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phaseis washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with an 8/2 and then 7/3heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.27 g (45%) of(5-{4-[3-(4(S)-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamideis obtained.

(g) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid

A solution of 0.27 g (0.45 mmol) of(5-{4-[3-(4(S)-benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl]phenyl}thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-N-methyloctanoylamidein 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 1.3 ml (0.67 mmol) of aqueous 0.5Msodium hydroxide solution is stirred from 0° C. to room temperature over18 hours. After addition of water, a first extraction is performed withethyl acetate. The aqueous phase obtained is acidified to pH 6 withaqueous hydrochloric acid solution and then extracted with ethylacetate. The organic phase is washed with saturated sodium chloridesolution, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 5/5 heptane/ethylacetate mixture. 0.06 g (30%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.88 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.18 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.28-1.35 (m, 8H); 1.67-1.70 (m, 2H); 2.34-2.48 (m, 2H); 3.00 (m, 1H);3.01 (s, 3H); 3.14 (m, 1H); 3.47 (m, 1H); 3.63 (m, 1H); 4.11 (m, 1H);4.69 (m, 2H); 6.90 (dd, J=17 Hz, J=3.6 Hz, 1H); 7.14 (dd, J=3.6 Hz, J=13Hz, 1H); 7.27 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H); 7.50 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of N-(5-Bromothiazol-2-yl)acetamide

5.9 ml (42.3 mmol) of acetic anhydride are added to a solution of 10 g(38.5 mmol) of 2-amino-5-bromothiazole hydrobromide in 100 ml ofdichloromethane and 11 ml (77 mmol) of triethylamine, cooled to 0° C.The reaction medium is stirred for 30 minutes at 0° C. and then for 18hours at room temperature. After addition of water, the pH is adjustedto pH 8 with aqueous 1M sodium hydroxide solution and the reactionmedium is extracted with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane phase isdried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residueobtained is used in step b without purification.

(b) Preparation of N-(5-Bromothiazol-2-yl)-N-methylacetamide

1.9 g (14 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 3.94 ml (63.3 mmol) of methyliodide are added to a solution of 2.8 g (12.7 mmol) ofN-(5-bromothiazol-2-yl)acetamide in 50 ml of acetone. The reactionmedium is refluxed for 3 hours. After addition of water, the reactionmedium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed withsaturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 7/3 heptane/ethylacetate mixture. 1.1 g (36%) ofN-(5-Bromothiazol-2-yl)-N-methylacetamide are obtained.

(c) Preparation of Methyl 3-(4-bromophenyl)-2(S)-hydroxypropanoate

100 ml (170 mmol) of a 1.7 M solution of tert-butyllithium in pentaneare added dropwise to a solution of 48 g (204 mmol) of1,4-dibromobenzene in 160 ml of tert-butyl dimethyl ether, cooled to−30° C., followed by addition of 7.3 g (82 mmol) of copper cyanide. Thereaction medium is stirred for 15 minutes and a solution of 6 ml (68mmol) of (S)-methyl glycidate in 10 ml of tert-butyl dimethyl ether isthen added. After stirring for 20 minutes at −30° C., the reactionmedium is hydrolysed with 150 ml of saturated aqueous ammonium chloridesolution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washedwith saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with heptane, and thepolarity is then increased up to a 6/4 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture.23.5 g (44%) of methyl 3-(4-bromophenyl)-2(S)-hydroxypropanoate areobtained.

(d) Preparation of Methyl 3-(4-bromophenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

11 ml of ethyl iodide are added dropwise to a solution of 23.5 g (91mmol) of methyl 3-(4-bromophenyl)-2(S)-hydroxypropanoate and 35.6 g (155mmol) of silver(I) oxide in 120 ml of isopropyl ether. The reactionmedium is heated at 70° C. overnight. 10 g (45 mmol) of silver oxide and3.7 ml (45 mmol) of ethyl iodide are added and the reaction medium isheated for a further 4 hours and then filtered through Celite, theprecipitate is rinsed with ethyl acetate and the filtrate isconcentrated under vacuum. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 95/5 and then 90/10heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 20 g (79%) of methyl3-(4-bromophenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate are obtained.

(e) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate

A solution of 8.3 g (28.9 mmol) of methyl3-(4-bromophenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate, 11 g (43.3 mmol) ofbis-pinacoldiborane and 8.5 g (86.7 mmol) of potassium acetate in 250 mlof dimethylformamide is degassed for 15 minutes, and 0.94 g (1.2 mmol)of diphenylphosphinoferrocenepalladium chloride (PdCl₂dppf) is thenadded. The reaction medium is heated at 60° C. for 20 hours. Aftercooling, water is added and the reaction medium is extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate phase is washed with saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. The residue obtained is purified by chromatography on acolumn of silica eluted with a 95/5 and then 90/10 heptane/ethyl acetatemixture. 7 g (73%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateare obtained.

(f) Preparation of Methyl3-{4-[2-(acetylmethylamino)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

0.2 g (0.3 mmol) of diphenylphosphinoferrocenepalladium chloride(PdCl₂dppf) is added to a solution of 1 g (4.5 mmol) ofN-(5-bromothiazol-2-yl)-N-methylacetamide, 1.8 g (6.8 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 1 g (6.8 mmol) of caesium fluoride in 50 ml of ethylene glycoldimethyl ether, degassed beforehand. The reaction medium is heated at80° C. for 18 hours. After cooling, water is added and the reactionmedium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase iswashed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column of silica eluted with a 70/30 and then 60/40heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.6 g (37%) of methyl3-{4-[2-(acetylmethylamino)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate isobtained in the form of a beige-colored solid with a melting point of123° C.

(g) Preparation of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methylaminothiazol-5-yl)phenyl]propanoic acid

0.6 g (1.6 mmol) of methyl3-{4-[2-(acetylmethylamino)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate in25 ml of methanol and 2.4 ml (2.4 mmol) of aqueous 1M sodium hydroxidesolution are heated at 60° C. for 18 hours. The reaction medium iscooled, diluted with water, acidified to pH 4-5 and then extracted withethyl acetate and n-butanol. The organic phase is washed with saturatedsodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. The residue obtained is used in step h without purification.

(h) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methylaminothiazol-5-yl)phenyl]propanoate

0.5 g (1.6 mmol) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methylaminothiazol-5-yl)phenyl]propanoic acid in 10ml of methanol and a few drops of sulfuric acid is heated at 60° C. for2 hours. The reaction medium is cooled, diluted with water, neutralizedto pH 7 with aqueous 1M sodium hydroxide solution and then extractedwith ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. The residue obtained is purified by chromatography on acolumn of silica eluted with a 50/50 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.34g (67%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methylaminothiazol-5-yl)phenyl]propanoate isobtained in the form of a yellow solid.

(i) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoate

0.17 ml (1 mmol) of heptyl isocyanate is added to a solution of 0.17 g(0.5 mmol) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methylaminothiazol-5-yl)phenyl]propanoate in 10 mlof dichloromethane. The reaction medium is stirred at room temperaturefor 20 hours. The reaction medium is diluted with water and thenextracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained ispurified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted with a 50/50heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.07 g (30%) of methyl 2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(j) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

0.07 g (0.15 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoateis placed in 3 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 0.2 ml (0.2 mmol) of aqueous 1Mlithium hydroxide solution. The reaction medium is stirred at roomtemperature for 18 hours. 0.07 ml of aqueous 1M lithium hydroxidesolution is added and the medium is heated for a further 5 hours. Thereaction medium is diluted with water, acidified to pH 4-5 and thenextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with saturatedsodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. 55 mg (82%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid are obtained in the form of a white solid with a melting point of97° C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.90 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.22 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.28-1.38 (m, 8H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 3.08 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=4.1 Hz, 1H); 3.15(dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=14 Hz, 1H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 3.47 (s, 3H); 3.49 (m, 1H);3.66 (m, 1H); 4.12 (m, 1H); 7.29 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H); 7.43 (d, J=8.2 Hz,2H); 7.52 (s, 1H); 9.24 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 71, starting with 0.17 g (0.53mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methylaminothiazol-5-yl)phenyl]propionate and 0.14ml (1.1 mmol) of pentyl isocyanate, 0.06 g (26%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 7j, starting with 0.06 g (0.14mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoateand 0.2 ml (0.2 mmol) of aqueous 1M lithium hydroxide solution, 0.05 g(86%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid is obtained in the form of a white solid with a melting point of114° C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.93 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.22 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.36-1.40 (m, 4H); 1.63 (m, 2H); 3.06 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=4.1 Hz, 1H); 3.15(dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=14 Hz, 1H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 3.47 (s, 3H); 3.50 (m, 1H);3.66 (m, 1H); 4.12 (m, 1H); 7.29 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H); 7.43 (d, J=8.4 Hz,2H); 7.53 (s, 1H); 9.25 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 9 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of tert-butyl (6-Bromopyrid-2-yl)carbamate

62 g (284 mmol) of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate diluted in 200 ml ofdichloromethane are added dropwise to a solution of 49.2 g (284 mmol) of2-amino-6-bromopyridine, 43.4 ml (312 mmol) of triethylamine and 3.5 g(28.4 mmol) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in 400 ml of dichloromethane. Thereaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. Afteraddition of water and extraction with dichloromethane, the organic phaseis dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residueobtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted witha 95/5 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 39 g (50%) of tert-butyl(6-bromopyrid-2-yl)carbamate are obtained in the form of a white solid.

(b) Preparation of tert-butyl 6-Bromopyrid-2-yl-N-methylcarbamate

6.9 g (17.2 mmol) of 60% sodium hydride in oil are added portionwise toa solution of 39 g (14.3 mmol) of tert-butyl(6-bromopyrid-2-yl)carbamate in 400 ml of dimethylformamide. Afterstirring for 20 minutes at room temperature, 17.8 ml (28.6 mmol) ofmethyl iodide are added dropwise. The reaction medium is stirred at roomtemperature for 18 hours, taken up in water and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated.

(c) Preparation of (6-Bromopyrid-2-yl)-N-methylamine

2.1 g (7.3 mmol) of tert-butyl 6-bromopyrid-2-yl-N-methylcarbamate, 1.6ml (21.9 mmol) of trifluoroacetic acid and 25 ml of dichloromethane arestirred at room temperature for 20 hours.

After addition of water, the reaction medium is extracted withdichloromethane. The organic phase is washed with aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution and then washed with water, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and evaporated. 1.4 g (100%) of (6-bromopyrid-2-yl)-N-methylamine are obtained.

(d) Preparation of 1-(6-Bromopyrid-2-yl)-3-heptyl-1-methylurea

1 g (5.35 mmol) of (6-bromopyrid-2-yl)-N-methylamine, 1 ml ofdiisopropylethylamine and 1.6 g (8 mmol) of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformateare heated at 130° C. for 15 minutes by microwave. 1.2 ml (8 mmol) ofheptylamine and 7 ml of dimethylformamide are added and the reactionmedium is heated at 130° C. for a further 5 minutes. The residueobtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted witha 70/30 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 1.4 g (80%) of1-(6-bromopyrid-2-yl)-3-heptyl-1-methylurea are obtained in the form ofa yellow solid.

(e) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

3.2 g (9.7 mmol) of 1-(6-bromopyrid-2-yl)-3-heptyl-1-methylurea, 4.2 g(12.6 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate(prepared as in Example 7e) and 4.4 g (29.1 mmol) of caesium fluorideare placed in 200 ml of dimethoxyethylene glycol. The reaction medium isdegassed, 0.23 g (0.3 mmol) ofdichlorodiphenylphosphinoferrocenepalladium is then added and thereaction medium is stirred at 80° C. for 18 hours. After addition ofwater, the reaction medium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organicphase is washed with water, with saturated sodium chloride solution,dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residueobtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted withan 80/20 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 2 g (45%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateare obtained.

(f) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

1.1 g (2.4 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,20 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 3.6 ml (3.6 mmol) of aqueous 1M lithiumhydroxide solution are stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. Afteraddition of water and ethyl acetate, the reaction medium is acidified topH 5.5 with aqueous 1N acetic acid solution. The organic phase is washedwith water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. 1 g(95%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid is obtained in the form of a viscous syrup.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.87 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.21 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.26-1.37 (m, 8H); 1.61 (m, 2H); 3.10 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=4.1 Hz, 1H); 3.21(dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=14 Hz, 1H); 3.39 (m, 2H); 3.47 (s, 3H); 3.49 (m, 1H);3.66 (m, 1H); 4.16 (m, 1H); 6.94 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.28-7.40 (m, 3H);7.75-7.82 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 10 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride

2.5 ml (2.5 mmol) of ethanolic 1M hydrochloric acid solution are addeddropwise to a solution of 1.1 g (2.5 mmol) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid in 2 ml of ethanol, cooled to 0° C. The reaction mediumprecipitates. After filtration, the precipitate is washed with acetoneand with ethyl ether and then dried. After hot recrystallization from a9/1 acetone/water mixture, 0.6 g (60%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride is obtained in the form of a white solid with amelting point of 166° C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.77 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.07 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.10-1.25 (m, 8H); 1.58 (m, 2H); 3.00 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=4.1 Hz, 1H); 3.08(dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=14 Hz, 1H); 3.26 (m, 2H); 3.27 (m, 1H); 3.60 (s, 3H);3.61 (m, 1H); 3.96 (dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.20 (m, 1H); 7.41 (d,J=8.1 Hz, 2H); 7.44 (m, 1H); 7.66 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H); 8.03 (m, 1H); 9.00(m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 11 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of 5-Bromo-1-methyl-3-nitro-1H-[1,2,4]triazole

1.1 g (28.5 mmol) of 60% sodium hydride are added to a solution of 5 g(25.9 mmol) of 5-bromo-3-nitro-1H-[1,2,4]-triazole in 80 ml ofdimethylformamide, cooled beforehand to 0° C. The reaction medium isstirred for 20 minutes and 8 ml (129.5 mmol) of methyl iodide are thenadded. After stirring at room temperature for 18 hours, water is addedand the reaction medium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organicphase is washed thoroughly with water, with saturated sodium chloridesolution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. Theresidue obtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silicaeluted with a 75/25 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 3.2 g (60%) of5-bromo-1-methyl-3-nitro-1H-[1,2,4]triazole are obtained.

(b) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-nitro-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 9(e), starting with 0.9 g (4.35mmol) of 5-bromo-1-methyl-3-nitro-1H-[1,2,4]triazole and 1.9 g (6.5mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate,0.9 g (62%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-nitro-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propanoateis obtained in the form of a white solid with a melting point of 119° C.

(c) Preparation of Methyl3-[4-(5-amino-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

0.4 g (0.4 mass equivalent) of 10% palladium-on-charcoal is added to asolution of 0.9 g (2.7 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-nitro-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propanoatein 40 ml of ethanol and 10 ml of methanol, degassed beforehand, and thereaction medium is placed under an atmospheric pressure of hydrogen for3 hours. After filtration through Celite and washing with ethyl acetate,the filtrate is evaporated under vacuum. 0.82 g (100%) of methyl3-[4-(5-amino-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoateis obtained.

(d) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-methylamino-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate

0.2 ml (2.2 mmol) of dimethyl sulfate is added to a mixture of 0.6 g (2mmol) of methyl3-[4-(5-amino-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate,0.3 ml (2.2 mmol) of triethylamine and 40 ml of ethyl ether. Thereaction medium is heated at 35° C. for 4 hours. The reaction changedvery little, 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran, 0.3 ml of triethylamine and 0.2ml (2.2 mmol) of dimethyl sulfate are added and the reaction medium isheated at 40° C. for a further 24 hours. The reaction medium isevaporated to dryness. The residue obtained is purified by thin-layerchromatography on silica eluted with a 97/3 and then 95/5dichloromethane/methanol mixture. 0.1 g (16%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-methylamino-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 0.4 g (60%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-methylamino-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propionicacid are obtained.

(e) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(i), starting with 80 mg (0.25mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(2-methyl-5-methylamino-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 60 μl (0.4 mmol) of heptyl isocyanate, 37 mg (34%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]-triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoateare obtained.

(f) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

37 mg (80 μmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoateplaced in 2 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 0.1 ml (0.1 mmol) of aqueous 1Mlithium hydroxide solution are stirred at room temperature overnight.The reaction medium is acidified to pH 4 and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic phase is washed with water, with saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. 30 mg (83%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]-triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid are obtained in the form of a white solid.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.88 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.24 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.26-1.39 (m, 8H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 3.13 (dd, J=7.5 Hz, J=4.1 Hz, 1H); 3.30(dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=14 Hz, 1H); 3.38 (m, 2H); 3.47 (m, 3H); 3.54 (m, 1H);3.68 (m, 1H); 3.93 (s, 3H); 4.18 (dd, J=7.3 Hz, J=4.2 Hz, 1H); 7.43 (d,J=8.1 Hz, 2H); 7.61 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H); 9.0 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 12 Synthesis of{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methyloctanoylamide(a) Preparation oftert-butyl[3-(5-Formylthiophen-2-yl)benzyl]methylcarbamate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(f), starting with 3 g of2-bromo-5-formylthiophene and 4 g of tert-butylmethyl[3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl]carbamate,3 g of tert-butyl[3-(5-formylthiophen-2-yl)benzyl]methylcarbamate areobtained.

(b) Preparation of tert-butyl{3-[5-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylcarbamate

A solution of 2.4 g (7.2 mmol) oftert-butyl[3-(5-formylthiophen-2-yl)benzyl]methylcarbamate, 0.85 g (7.2mmol) of 2,4-thiazolidinedione and 0.2 g (1.4 mmol) of piperidiniumacetate in 50 ml of toluene is refluxed for 4 hours in Dean-Starkapparatus. After cooling, the product precipitates. The precipitate isfiltered off and washed with ethyl ether. 2.3 g (76%) of tert-butyl{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylcarbamateare obtained.

(c) Preparation of tert-butyl{3-[5-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylcarbamate

1 g (2.5 mmol) of tert-butyl{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidenemethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylcarbamateis placed in 20 ml of dioxane and 0.2 ml of acetic acid. The reactionmedium is degassed and placed under 3 atm of hydrogen for 3 days. Afterfiltration through Celite, 0.2 g (20%) of tert-butyl{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylcarbamateis obtained.

(d) Preparation of5-[5-(3-Methylaminomethylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dione

0.2 g (0.5 mmol) of tert-butyl{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylcarbamateis placed in 10 ml of dichloromethane and 0.2 ml of trifluoroacetic acidfor 12 hours. The reaction medium is evaporated to dryness and 200 mg(100%) of5-[5-(3-methylaminomethylphenypthiophen-2-ylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dioneare obtained.

(e) Synthesis of-{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methyloctanoylamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(b), starting with 90 mg (0.3mmol) of5-[5-(3-methylaminomethylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dioneand 32 μl (0.3 mmol) of octanoyl chloride, 67 mg (92%) of{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methyloctanoylamideare obtained. ¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.92 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.30-1.37 (m,8H); 1.54 (m, 2H); 2.9 (s, 3H); 3.23 (m, 1H); 3.50 (m, 1H); 3.74 (m,1H); 4.75 (m, 1H); 4.79 (m, 2H); 6.93-7.50 (m, 6H).

EXAMPLE 13 Synthesis of{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylhexanoylamide

In a manner similar to that of Example 12(e), starting with 90 mg (0.3mmol) of5-[5-(3-methylaminomethylphenyl)thiophen-2-ylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dioneand 26 μl (0.3 mmol) of hexanoyl chloride, 22 mg (20%) of{3-[5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzyl}methylhexanoylamideare obtained.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.92 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.30-1.37 (m, 4H); 1.54 (m,2H); 2.9 (s, 3H); 3.23 (m, 2H); 3.50 (m, 1H); 3.74 (m, 1H); 4.75 (m,1H); 4.79 (m, 2H); 6.93-7.50 (m, 6H).

EXAMPLE 14 Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(octanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl 2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate

A solution of 56 g (0.29 mmol) of L-tyrosine methyl ester, 64 g (0.32mmol) of benzoylcyclohexanone and 12 g of 10% palladium-on-charcoal in700 ml of anisole is heated at 158° C. for 17 hours. The reaction mediumis cooled to 50° C., filtered through Celite and evaporated undervacuum. The crude product obtained is taken up in adichloromethane/pentane mixture and precipitated. After filtration, 18 g(20%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate are obtained.

(b) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxyphenyl)propanoate

1.2 g (10 mmol) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine are added to a mixture of24.5 g (65 mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate and 11 ml (78mmol) of triethylamine in 220 ml of dichloromethane. The reaction mediumis cooled to −78° C. and 13.2 ml (78 mmol) of triflic anhydride areadded dropwise. The reaction medium is stirred from −78° C. to roomtemperature over 4 hours. After addition of saturated ammonium chloridesolution, the reaction medium is extracted with dichloromethane. Theorganic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated.33 g (100%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxyphenyl)propanoateare obtained.

(c) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(e), starting with 28 g (55mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxyphenyl)propanoate,24.2 g (90%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateare obtained.

(d) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(f), starting with 6 g (17 mmol)of methyl2-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 3.6 g (12 mmol) of tert-butyl(4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylcarbamate (prepared as described in16b), 2.9 g (42%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoateare obtained.

(e) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate

2.9 g (5 mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoateare placed in 30 ml of dichloromethane and 2.5 ml (32 mmol) oftrifluoroacetic acid. After stirring at room temperature for 18 hours,the reaction medium is evaporated to dryness. 2.4 g (100%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoateare obtained.

(f) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(b), starting with 0.8 g (1.65mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 0.3 ml (1.8 mmol) of octanoyl chloride, 0.8 g (78%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoateare obtained.

(g) Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(j), starting with 0.8 g (1mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate,0.5 g (63%) of2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methyloctanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.89 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.29-1.32 (m, 16H); 1.68 (m,2H); 2.35-2.48 (m, 2H); 2.99 (s, 3H); 3.23 (m, 1H); 3.37 (m, 1H); 4.48(m, 1H); 4.66 (s, 2H); 6.60 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H); 6.72 (dd, J=2.5 Hz, J=8.4Hz, 1H); 7.15-7.61 (12H); 9.0 (s, 1H); 10.5 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 15 Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 1(b), starting with 0.8 g (1.65mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 0.25 ml (1.8 mmol) of hexanoyl chloride, 0.8 g (78%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methylhexanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(j), starting with 0.6 g (1mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methylhexanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate,0.57 g (100%) of2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-(4-{5-[(methylhexanoylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.92 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.30-1.36 (m, 4H); 1.70 (m,2H°; 2.33-2.47 (m, 2H); 3.00 (s, 3H); 3.23 (dd, J=5.4 Hz, J=13.9 Hz,1H); 3.38 (dd, J=5.4 Hz, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 4.45 (m, 1H); 4.66-4.70 (m, 2H);6.67 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H); 6.71 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.19-7.62 (m, 13H); 9.0(s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 16 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid (a) Preparation of (4-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine

25.2 g (360 mmol) of sodium cyanoborohydride are added to a solution of35 g (180 mmol) of 4-bromothiophene-2-carbaldehyde, 62 g (640 mmol) ofmethylamine hydrochloride and 119 ml (846 mmol) of triethylamine. Thereaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours. Afteraddition of water and ethyl acetate and washing with aqueous 1M sodiumhydroxide solution, the organic phase is extracted. The ethyl acetatephase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. Theresidue obtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silicaeluted with a 90/10 to 70/30 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 19.7 g (52%)of (4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamine are obtained.

(b) Preparation of tert-butyl(4-Bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylcarbamate

20.8 g (95 mmol) of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate are added portionwise to asolution of 19.7 g (95 mmol) of (4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylamineand 11.9 ml (85 mmol) of triethylamine in 200 ml of dichloromethane.After stirring at room temperature for 16 hours, the reaction medium iswashed with water and the dichloromethane phase is extracted. Theorganic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated.19 g (44%) of tert-butyl (4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylcarbamate areobtained.

(c) Preparation of Methyl3-(4-{5-[(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 9(e), starting with 4 g (13 mmol)of tert-butyl (4-bromothiophen-2-ylmethyl)methylcarbamate and 5.6 g (20mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate,5 g (88%) of methyl3-(4-{5-[(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoateare obtained in the form of a yellow oil.

(d) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate

5 g (11.5 mmol) of methyl3-(4-{5-[(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoateare placed in 80 ml of dichloromethane and 4.4 ml of trifluoroaceticacid. After stirring at room temperature for 24 hours, water is addedand the reaction medium is extracted with dichloromethane. Thedichloromethane phase is washed with aqueous 30% sodium hydroxidesolution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. Theresidue obtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silicaeluted with a 50/50 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 3.2 g (84%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate areobtained.

(e) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate

0.18 ml (1.3 mmol) of hexanoyl chloride is added to a solution, cooledbeforehand to 0° C., of 0.4 g (1.2 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate and0.18 ml (1.3 mmol) of triethylamine in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran. Thereaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, washed withwater and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase is driedover magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained ispurified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted with a 70/30heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.4 g (83%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoateis obtained.

(f) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 11(f), starting with 0.4 g (1mmol) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoate,0.4 g of crude residue is obtained. This residue is hot-recrystallizedfrom isopropyl ether. 0.2 g (50%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{5-[(hexanoylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid is obtained in the form of a white solid with a melting point of65° C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.90 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.19 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.35-1.37 (m, 4H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 2.36-2.48 (m, 2H); 3.02 (m, 1H); 3.03(s, 3H); 3.15 (m, 1H); 3.45 (m, 1H); 3.65 (m, 1H); 4.10 (m, 1H);4.69-4.74 (m, 2H); 7.19-7.35 (m, 4H); 7.50 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 17 Synthesis of3-(4-{5-[(Butyrylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl3-(4-{5-[(butyrylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 16(e), starting with 0.1 g (0.3mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate and40 μl (0.33 mmol) of butanoyl chloride, 0.12 g (75%) of methyl3-(4-{5-[(butyrylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of−3-(4-{5-[(Butyrylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 11(f), starting with 90 mg (0.22mmol) of methyl3-(4-{5-[(butryrylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate,45 mg (52%) of3-(4-{5-[(butyrylmethylamino)methyl]thiophen-3-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid are obtained in the form of a solid with a melting point of 56-57°C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 1.00 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.19 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.74(m, 2H); 2.36-2.48 (m, 2H); 3.02 (m, 1H); 3.03 (s, 3H); 3.15 (m, 1H);3.48 (m, 1H); 3.65 (m, 1H); 4.11 (m, 1H); 4.69-4.74 (m, 2H); 7.19-7.35(m, 4H); 7.50 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 18 Synthesis of3-[4-(5-{[(3-Cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl3-[4-(5-{[(2-cyclopentylacetyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 16(e), starting with 0.35 g (1mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate and170 μl (1.15 mmol) of 2-cyclopentylacetyl chloride, 0.39 g (85%) ofmethyl3-[4-(5-{[(2-cyclopentylacetyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of3-[4-(5-{[(2-Cyclopentylacetyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 11(f), starting with 0.39 g (0.88mmol) of methyl3-[4-(5-{[(2-cyclopentylacetyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate,0.24 g (63%) of3-[4-(5-{[(2-cyclopentylacetyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid is obtained in the form of a solid with a melting point of 112-113°C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 1.19 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.60-1.65 (m, 4H); 1.90 (m,2H); 2.30 (m, 1H); 2.37-2.52 (m, 2H); 3.02 (m, 1H); 3.04 (s, 3H); 3.17(m, 1H); 3.48 (m, 1H); 3.65 (m, 1H); 4.12 (m, 1H); 4.70-4.75 (m, 2H);7.19-7.36 (m, 4H); 7.50 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 19 Synthesis of3-[4-(5-{[(3-Cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl3-[4-(5-{[(3-cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 16(e), starting with 0.35 g (1mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(5-methylaminomethylthiophen-3-yl)phenyl]propanoate and170 μl (1.15 mmol) of 2-cyclopentylacetyl chloride, 0.41 g (84%) ofmethyl3-[4-(5-{[(3-cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of3-[4-(5-{[(3-Cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 11(f), starting with 0.41 g (0.87mmol) of methyl3-[4-(5-{[(3-cyclohexylpropionypmethylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoate,0.23 g (57%) of3-[4-(5-{[(3-cyclohexylpropionyl)methylamino]methyl}thiophen-3-yl)phenyl]-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid is obtained in the form of a solid with a melting point of 69-70°C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.95 (m, 2H), 1.19 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.20-1.28 (m,4H); 1.57 (m, 1H); 1.58-1.72 (m, 6H); 2.37-2.49 (m, 2H); 3.02 (m, 1H);3.04 (s, 3H); 3.15 (m, 1H); 3.47 (m, 1H); 3.63 (m, 1H); 4.12 (m, 1H);4.69-4.74 (m, 2H); 7.19-7.36 (m, 4H); 7.50 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 20 Synthesis of2-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of (6-Iodopyrid-3-yl)methanol

30 g (108 mmol) of ethyl 6-iodonicotinate dissolved in 300 ml of ethanolare added dropwise to a solution of 20.5 g (542 mmol) of sodiumborohydride in 200 ml of ethanol, cooled beforehand to 0° C. Thereaction medium is allowed to warm to room temperature and is thenstirred for 1 hour 30 minutes at room temperature. The reaction mediumis hydrolysed and extracted with ethyl acetate. The boron saltsprecipitate out, and the medium is filtered and then evaporated todryness. The reaction medium is taken up in dichloromethane, the productprecipitates out, isopropyl ether is added and the medium is filtered.The precipitate is washed with isopropyl ether. 17 g (67%) of(6-iodopyrid-3-yl)methanol are obtained in the form of a pale yellowsolid with a melting point of 102° C.

(b) Preparation of 6-Iodopyridine-3-carbaldehyde

63 g (723 mmol) of manganese dioxide are added to a solution of 17 g (72mmol) of (6-iodopyrid-3-yl)methanol in 600 ml of dichloromethane. Thereaction medium is stirred at room temperature for 20 hours and thenfiltered through Celite. The precipitate is washed thoroughly with waterand the filtrate is evaporated under vacuum. The residue obtained istaken up in dichloromethane and the insoluble material is again filteredoff. After evaporation of the filtrate, 13.2 g (78%) of6-iodopyridine-3-carbaldehyde are obtained in the form of a pale yellowsolid with a melting point of 141° C.

(c) Preparation oftert-butyl[3-(5-Formylpyrid-2-yl)phenyl]methylcarbamate c.1: tert-butyl(3-Bromophenyl)methylcarbamate

8.4 g (209.4 mmol) of 60% sodium hydride are added portionwise to asolution of 19 ml (174 mmol) of 3-bromoaniline in 300 ml oftetrahydrofuran. The reaction medium is stirred at room temperatureuntil the evolution of gas has ceased, and 38 g (174 mmol) ofdi-tert-butyl dicarbonate dissolved in 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran are thenadded dropwise. The reaction medium is stirred at reflux for 8 hours andthen at room temperature for 18 hours. Water is added and the reactionmedium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase iswashed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified bythin-layer chromatography on silica eluted with a 90/10, then 80/20 and70/30 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 47 g (92%) of tert-butyl(3-bromophenyl)methylcarbamate are obtained.

c.2: tert-butyl (3-Bromophenyl)methylcarbamate

7.6 g (190 mmol) of 60% sodium hydride are added portionwise to asolution of 47 g (173 mmol) of tert-butyl (3-bromophenyl)methylcarbamatein 500 ml of dimethylformamide. After the evolution of gas has ceased,54 ml (865 mmol) of methyl iodide are added and the reaction medium isstirred at room temperature for 5 hours. After addition of water, themedium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase iswashed thoroughly with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. 49 g (100%) of tert-butyl (3-bromophenyl)methylcarbamate areobtained.

c.3: tert-butylMethyl-[3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]carbamate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(e), starting with 5 g (17.5mmol) of tert-butyl (3-bromophenyl)methylcarbamate, 3.4 g (60%) oftert-butylmethyl[3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]carbamateare obtained.

c.4: tert-butyl[3-(5-Formylpyrid-2-yl)phenyl]methylcarbamate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(f), starting with 1.6 g (6.8mmol) of 6-iodopyridine-3-carbaldehyde and 3.4 g (16.2 mmol) oftert-butylmethyl[3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]carbamate,1.2 g (58%) of tert-butyl[3-(5-formylpyrid-2-yl)phenyl]methylcarbamateare obtained.

(d) Preparation of Ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxyacrylated.1: Ethyl chloroethoxyacetate

A solution of 40 ml (224 mmol) of ethyl diethoxyacetate, 19 ml (268mmol) of acetyl chloride and 0.1 g (0.45 mmol) of iodine is heated at50° C. for 4 hours. Only 60% of the desired product is formed. Thereaction medium is cooled to room temperature, 19 ml (268 mmol) ofacetyl chloride are added and the medium is heated at 50° C. for afurther 18 hours. The reaction medium is evaporated to dryness undervacuum. 36.3 g (100%) of crude ethyl chloroethoxyacetate are obtained.

d.2: Ethyl (diethoxyphosphoryl)ethoxyacetate

36.3 g (218 mmol) of ethyl chloroethoxyacetate and 37.4 ml (218 mmol) oftriethyl phosphite are heated at 50° C. for 3 hours. The reaction mediumis evaporated to dryness under vacuum. 57 g (100%) of crude ethyl (diethoxyphosphoryl)ethoxyacetate are obtained.

d.3: Ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxyacrylate

0.3 g (8 mmol) of 60% sodium hydride is added portionwise to a solutionof 2.1 g (8 mmol) of ethyl (diethoxyphosphoryl)ethoxyacetate in 8 ml oftetrahydrofuran. After stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes andafter the evolution of gas has ceased, 1.2 g (4 mmol) oftert-butyl[3-(5-formylpyrid-2-yl)phenyl]methylcarbamate dissolved in 6ml of tetrahydrofuran are added. The reaction medium is stirred at roomtemperature for 18 hours. The reaction medium is diluted with water andextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water,dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residueobtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted witha 90/10, then 80/20 and 70/30 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.2 g (12%)of ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxyacrylateis obtained.

(f) Preparation of Ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxypropanoate

A solution of 0.2 g (0.5 mmol) of ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxyacrylatein 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran is degassed and 0.02 g (10% by mass) of 10%Pd/C is added. After reaction for 5 hours under an atmospheric pressureof hydrogen, the reaction medium is stirred under 3 atm of hydrogen for24 hours. After filtration through Celite and evaporation of thefiltrate, 0.11 g (55%) of ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxypropanoateis obtained.

(g) Preparation of Ethyl2-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate

0.11 g (0.3 mmol) of ethyl3-{6-[3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}-2-ethoxypropanoate,5 ml of dichloromethane and 0.15 ml (1.9 mmol) of trifluoroacetic acidare stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. After addition of water,the reaction medium is extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phaseis dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. 80 mg (94%) ofethyl 2-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate areobtained.

(h) Preparation of Ethyl2-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoate

80 μl (0.5 mmol) of heptyl isocyanate are added to 80 mg (0.24 mmol) ofethyl 2-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate in 5 mlof dichloromethane. After stirring at room temperature for 24 hours,water is added and the reaction medium is extracted withdichloromethane. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate,filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified by thin-layerchromatography on silica eluted with a 60/40 heptane/ethyl acetatemixture. 60 mg (54%) of ethyl2-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoateare obtained.

(i) Synthesis of2-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid

60 mg (0.13 mmol) of ethyl2-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoateare placed in 4 ml of tetrahydrofuran, 0.2 ml (0.2 mmol) of aqueous 1Mlithium hydroxide solution is added and the mixture is stirred at roomtemperature for 24 hours. After acidic hydrolysis to pH 4.5-5, thereaction medium is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase isdried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residueobtained is purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted witha 50/50 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture and then a 90/10dichloromethane/methanol mixture. 40 mg (70%) of2-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid are obtained in the form of a white solid with a melting point of142-143° C.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.86 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H), 1.19 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.20-1.25 (m, 8H); 1.42 (m, 2H); 3.15 (m, 1H); 3.18 (m, 2H); 3.19 (m,1H); 3.34 (s, 3H); 3.53 (m, 1H); 3.72 (m, 1H); 4.41 (m, 1H); 7.30 (m,1H); 7.50-7.85 (m, 5H); 8.60 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 21 Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 14(d), starting with 12.7 g (26mmol) of methyl2-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 5 g (17 mmol) of tert-butyl (3-bromophenyl)methylcarbamate (preparedas described in 9b), 8.3 g (84%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateare obtained.

(b) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 14(e), starting with 8.3 g (15mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethylamino)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,7.1 g (100%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateare obtained.

(c) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(i), starting with 0.9 g (1.9mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 0.35 ml (2.1 mmol) of pentyl isocyanate, 0.7 g (63%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(d) Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(j), starting with 0.22 g (0.4mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,0.2 g (95%) of2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.77 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.23-1.25 (m, 4H); 1.53 (m,2H); 3.20-3.46 (m, 4H); 3.41 (s, 3H); 4.47 (m, 1H); 6.59 (t, J=7.4 Hz,1H); 6.68 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 6.86 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 7.22-7.73 (m, 13H);9.0 (s, 1H); 10.5 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 22 Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(i), starting with 0.35 g (0.7mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoateand 0.3 ml (2.1 mmol) of heptyl isocyanate, 0.4 g (94%) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of2(S)-(2-Benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(j), starting with 0.7 g (0.4mmol) of methyl2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,0.65 g (90%) of2(S)-(2-benzoylphenylamino)-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.83 (t, 3H, J=6.7 Hz); 1.15-1.28 (m, 4H); 1.51-1.58(m, 2H); 3.27 (dd, 1H, J=13.8 Hz, J=7.9 Hz); 3.31 (m, 2H); 3.42 (s, 3H);3.44 (dd, 1H, J=1.4 Hz, J=13.8 Hz); 4.50 (m, 1H); 6.62 (t, J=7.4 Hz,1H); 6.73 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 6.89 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 7.29-7.77 (m, 13H);9.0 (m, 1H); 10.5 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 23 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoic acid

0.9 g (2.7 mmol) of ethyl2-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate, prepared asdescribed in Example 20 g, is placed in 60 ml of a pH 7 buffer solution,with 0.75 g of the enzyme Proteinase 2A. After 10 days at roomtemperature, the reaction has not progressed. The reaction medium isheated at 37° C. for 1 day: the reaction is complete.

Water is added, the pH is brought to 8 by addition of 1M sodiumhydroxide solution and the reaction medium is extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate phase is washed with saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andevaporated. The aqueous phase is acidified with aqueous 1N acetic acidsolution to pH 4 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetatephase is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained ispurified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted with a 95/5,90/10 and then 80/20 dichloromethane/methanol mixture. 0.1 g (24%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl) pyrid-3-yl]propanoic acid isobtained.

(b) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate

0.1 g (0.3 mmol) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoic acid isplaced in 5 ml of methanol and 2 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid areadded. The reaction medium is heated at 65° C. for 18 hours. Themethanol is evaporated off and the residue is taken up in an ethylacetate/water mixture. The pH is brought to 7 by addition of 1N sodiumhydroxide solution and the reaction medium is extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate phase is dried over sodium sulfate, filteredand evaporated. 70 mg (70%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate areobtained.

(c) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[methyl(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)amino]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoate

70 mg (0.3 mmol) of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate and then 60 μl (0.3mmol) of diisopropylethylamine are added to a solution of 70 mg (0.25mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[6-(3-methylaminophenyl)pyrid-3-yl]propanoate in 3 ml ofdichloromethane. The reaction medium is stirred at room temperature for2 hours. After addition of water, the reaction medium is extracted withdichloromethane. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate,filtered and evaporated. 110 mg (100%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[methyl(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)amino]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoateare obtained.

(d) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoate

70 μl (0.45 mmol) of heptylamine are added to a solution of 110 mg (0.25mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[methyl(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)amino]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)propanoatein 3 ml of dimethylformamide. The reaction medium is heated at 80° C.for 3 hours. After addition of water, the reaction medium is extractedwith ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate,filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained is purified by thin-layerchromatography on silica eluted with a 6/4 and then 5/5 heptane/ethylacetate mixture. 50 mg (50%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoateare obtained.

(e) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 20(i), starting with 50 mg (0.1mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoate,25 mg (50%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid are obtained in the form of a white solid with a melting point of140-141° C.

¹H NMR (d, CDCl₃): 0.87 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 1.24-1.33 (m, 11H); 1.40-1.45(m, 2H); 3.16-3.21 (m, 4H); 3.34 (s, 3H); 3.56-3.60 (m, 1H); 3.69-3.73(m, 1H); 4.17-4.20 (m, 1H); 4.40 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 1H); 7.30-7.33 (m, 1H);7.51-7.55 (m, 1H); 7.67-7.75 (m, 2H); 7.88-7.90 (m, 2H); 8.60 (d, J=1.2Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 24 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoatea.1—Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[methyl(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)amino]pyrid-2-yl}phenyl)propanoate

0.96 g (4.8 mmol) of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate and then 0.85 ml (4.8mmol) of diisopropylethylamine are added to a solution of 1 g (3.2 mmol)of methyl 2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate in25 ml of dichloromethane. The reaction medium is stirred at roomtemperature for 1 hour 30 minutes. After addition of water andextraction with dichloromethane, the organic phase is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. 1.9 g (100%) of methyl 2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[methyl-(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)amino]pyrid-2-yl}phenyl)propanoateare obtained.

a.2—Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

0.65 g (1.1 mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[methyl-(4-nitrophenoxycarbonypamino]pyrid-2-yl}phenyl)propanoate,12 ml of dimethylformamide and 1 ml (8.8 mmol) of pentylamine are heatedat 80° C. for 18 hours. After addition of water, the reaction medium isextracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase is dried overmagnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue obtained ispurified by thin-layer chromatography on silica eluted with a 7/3 andthen 6/4 heptane/ethyl acetate mixture. 0.35 g (76%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(b) Preparation of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 20(i), starting with 0.35 g (0.8mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,300 mg (100%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid are obtained.

(c) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride

In a manner similar to that of Example 10, starting with 300 mg of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid, 200 mg of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride are obtained in the form of a white solid

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 0.84 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H); 1.12 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.29-1.34 (m, 4H); 1.63-1.66 (m, 2H); 3.04 (dd, J=8.4 Hz, J=14.0 Hz,1H); 3.14 (dd, J=4.0 Hz, J=14.0 Hz, 1H); 3.31-3.37 (m, 3H); 3.64-3.70(m, 4H); 4.01 (dd, J=4.0 Hz, J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.23 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H);7.45-7.47 (m, 3H); 7.70-7.71 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H); 8.06 (t, J=7.70 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLE 25 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-butylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-butylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 24(a), starting with 0.2 g (0.64mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate, 0.2 g (80%)of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-butylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-butylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 20(i), starting with 0.2 g (0.5mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-butylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,130 mg (90%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-butylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid are obtained in the form of a white solid.

¹H NMR (d CDCl₃): 0.92 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); 1.21 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H);1.35-1.45 (m, 2H); 1.57-1.64 (m, 2H); 3.11 (dd, J=8.0 Hz, J=14.1 Hz,1H); 3.22 (dd, J=4.0 Hz, J=14.1 Hz, 1H); 3.41 (q, J=6.9 Hz, 2H); 3.47(s, 3H); 3.48-3.50 (m, 1H): 3.67-3.71 (m, 1H); 4.15 (dd, J=4.1 Hz; J=8.0Hz, 1H); 6.94 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.36-7.41 (m, 3H); 7.75-7.82 (m, 3H);10.5 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 26 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 24(a), starting with 0.63 g (1.1mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate, 0.4 g (83%)of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(b) Preparation of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 20(i), starting with 0.4 g (0.8mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,300 mg (85%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid are obtained.

(c) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride

In a manner similar to that of Example 10, starting with 300 mg of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid, 200 mg of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride are obtained in the form of a white solid.

¹H NMR (δ CDCl₃): 1.10 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H); 2.85 (m, 2H); 2.94-3.04 (m,1H); 3.10-3.13 (m, 1H); 3.31 (m, 1H); 3.60 (s, 3H); 3.62 (m, 2H); 3.66(m, 1H); 3.98 (m, 1H); 7.09 (m, 1H); 7.19 (m, 5H); 7.38 (m, 3H); 7.59(m, 2H); 7.97 (m, 1H).

EXAMPLE 27 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 24(a), starting with 0.63 g (1.1mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate, 0.16 g(37%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 20(i), starting with 0.16 g (0.8mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,120 mg (92%) of2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid are obtained.

¹H NMR (d CDCl₃): 1.08 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 2.97 (dd, J=8.6 Hz, J=14 Hz,1H); 3.09 (dd, J=4.1 Hz, J=14.0 Hz, 1H); 3.28-3.32 (m, 1H); 3.44 (s,3H); 3.59-3.64 (m, 1H); 3.97 (dd, J=4.6 Hz, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 6.94 (t,J=7.4 Hz, 1H); 7.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.18-7.22 (m, 2H); 7.37-7.39 (m,3H); 7.43-7.45 (m, 2H); 7.78-7.82 (m, 3H); 13.00 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 28 Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid (a) Preparation of Methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate

In a manner similar to that of Example 7(i), starting with 0.4 g (0.8mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-[4-(6-methylaminopyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoate and2-naphthyl isocyanate, 0.2 g (62%) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propionateis obtained.

(b) Synthesis of2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid

In a manner similar to that of Example 20(i), starting with 0.2 g (0.5mmol) of methyl2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoate,0.15 g (95%) of 2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid is obtained.

¹H NMR (d CDCl₃): 1.23 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 3.16 (dd, J=7.6 Hz, J=14.1 Hz,1H); 3.28 (dd, J=4.3 Hz, J=14.1 Hz, 1H); 3.52-3.56 (m, 1H); 3.58 (s,3H); 3.68-3.72 (m, 1H); 4.21 (dd, J=4.3 Hz, J=7.6 Hz, 1H); 7.04 (d,J=8.4 Hz, 1H); 7.28 (m, 1H); 7.37-7.51 (m, 5H); 7.75-7.84 (m, 4H); 7.92(d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H); 8.25 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H); 13.30 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 29 Crossover-Curve PPAR Transactivation Test

The activation of PPAR receptors with an agonist (activator) in HeLNcells leads to the expression of a reporter gene, luciferase, which, inthe presence of a substrate, generates light. The modulation of the PPARreceptors is measured by quantifying the luminescence produced afterincubating the cells in the presence of a reference agonist. The ligandsdisplace the agonist from its site. The measurement of the activity isperformed by quantifying the light produced. This measurement makes itpossible to determine the modulatory activity of the compounds accordingto the invention by determining the constant that represents theaffinity of the molecule for the PPAR receptor. Since this value canfluctuate depending on the basal activity and the expression of thereceptor, it is referred to as Kd apparent (KdApp in nM).

To determine this constant, “crossover curves” of the test productagainst a reference agonist are performed in a 96-well plate: 10concentrations of the test product plus a concentration 0 are arrangedin a line, and 7 concentrations of the agonist plus a concentration 0are arranged in a column. This represents 88 measurement points for 1product and 1 receptor. The remaining 8 wells are used for repeatabilitycontrols.

In each well, the cells are in contact with a concentration of the testproduct and a concentration of the reference agonist,2-(4-{2-[3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-heptylureido]ethyl}phenylsulfanyl)-2-methylpropionicacid for PPARα,{2-methyl-4-[4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]phenoxy}aceticacid for PPARδ and5-{4-[2-(methylpyrid-2-ylamino)ethoxy]benzyl}thiazolidine-2,4-dione forPPARγ. Measurements are also taken for total agonist controls with thesame products.

The HeLN cell lines used are stable transfectants containing theplasmids ERE-βGlob-Luc-SV-Neo (reporter gene) and PPAR (α, δ, γ)Gal-hPPAR. These cells are inoculated into 96-well plates at a rate of10 000 cells per well in 100 μl of DMEM medium without phenol red andsupplemented with 10% of defatted calf serum. The plates are thenincubated at 37° C. and 7% CO₂ for 16 hours.

The various dilutions of the test products and of the reference ligandare added at a rate of 5 μl per well. The plates are then incubated for18 hours at 37° C. and 7% CO₂. The culture medium is removed by turningover and 100 μl of a 1:1 PBS/luciferine mixture are added to each well.After 5 minutes, the plates are read by the luminescence detector.

These crossed curves make it possible to determine the AC50 values(concentration at which 50% activation is observed) of the referenceligand at various concentrations of test product. These AC50 values areused to calculate the Schild regression by plotting a straight linecorresponding to the Schild equation (“quantitation in receptorpharmacology” Terry P. Kenakin, Receptors and Channels, 2001, 7,371-385) which allows the Kd app values (in nM) to be obtained.

Transactivation Results:

PPARα PPARδ PPARγ Kd app Kd app Kd app Compounds (nM) (in nM) (in nM)Reference 1: 2-(4-{2-[3-(2,4-  200 n.a. n.a. difluorophenyl)-1-heptylureido]ethyl}phenylsulfanyl)- 2-methylpropionic acid Reference 2:{2-methyl-4-[4- n.a. 10 n.a. methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)thiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]phenoxy}acetic acidReference 3: 5-{4-[2- n.a. n.a. 30 (methylpyrid-2-ylamino)ethoxyl]benzyl}thiazolidine- 2,4-dione Example 1 n.a. n.a. 4000Example 2 n.a. n.a. 4000 Example 3 n.a. n.a. 4000 Example 4 n.a. n.a.500 Example 5 4000 n.a. 0.06 Example 6 1000 n.a. 2 Example 7 2000 n.a.60 Example 8 n.a. n.a. 30 Example 10  120 n.a. 0.5 Example 15 2000 n.a.1000 Example 20 n.a. n.a. 4 n.a. means not active

These results show the affinity of the compounds for PPAR-γ and moreparticularly the specificity of the affinity of the compounds of theinvention for the PPARγ subtype, compared with the affinity of thecompounds for the PPARα subtype or for the PPARδ subtype.

EXAMPLE 30 Compositions

Various specific formulations based on the compounds according to theinvention are illustrated in this example.

A—Oral Route:

(a) 0.2 g Tablet:

Compound of Example 2 0.001 g Starch 0.114 g Dicalcium phosphate 0.020 gSilica 0.020 g Lactose 0.030 g Talc 0.010 g Magnesium stearate 0.005 g

(b) Drinkable Suspension in 5 ml Ampules:

Compound of Example 4 0.001 g Glycerol 0.500 g 70% Sorbitol 0.500 gSodium saccharinate 0.010 g Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.040 gFlavoring qs Purified water qs 5 ml

(c) 0.8 g Tablet:

Compound of Example 1 0.500 g Pregelatinized starch 0.100 gMicrocrystalline cellulose 0.115 g Lactose 0.075 g Magnesium stearate0.010 g

(d) Drinkable Suspension in 10 ml Ampules:

Compound of Example 10 0.200 g Glycerol 1.000 g 70% Sorbitol 1.000 gSodium saccharinate 0.010 g Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.080 gFlavoring qs Purified water qs 10 ml

B—Topical Route:

(a) Ointment:

Compound of Example 8 0.020 g Isopropyl myristate 81.700 g  Liquidpetroleum jelly fluid 9.100 g Silica (“Aerosil 200” marketed by Degussa)9.180 g

(b) Ointment:

Compound of Example 7 0.300 g White petroleum jelly codex qs 100 g

(c) Nonionic Water-in-Oil Cream:

Compound of Example 11 0.100 g Mixture of emulsifying lanolin alcohols,waxes 39.900 g and oils (“Anhydrous Eucerin” marketed by BDF) Methylpara-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g Steriledemineralized water qs 100 g

(d) Lotion:

Compound of Example 6  0.100 g Polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) 69.900 g95% Ethanol 30.000 g

(e) Hydrophobic Ointment:

Compound of Example 15 0.300 g Isopropyl myristate 36.400 g Silicone oil(“Rhodorsil 47 V 300” marketed by 36.400 g Rhone-Poulenc) Beeswax 13.600g Silicone oil (“Abil 300,000 cst” marketed by qs 100 g Goldschmidt)

(f) Nonionic Oil-in-Water Cream:

Compound of Example 9 1.000 g Cetyl alcohol 4.000 g Glycerylmonostearate 2.500 g PEG-50 stearate 2.500 g Karite butter 9.200 gPropylene glycol 2.000 g Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g Propylpara-hydroxybenzoate 0.075 g Sterile demineralized water qs 100 g

Each patent, patent application, publication and literaturearticle/report cited or indicated herein is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific andpreferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that variousmodifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that thescope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of thefollowing claims, including equivalents thereof.

1. A method for the treatment of common acne, comedones, polymorphousacne, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, senile acne or secondary acne,comprising administering to an individual in need of such treatment, aneffective PPARγ receptor-activating amount of a compound having thefollowing structural formula (I):

in which: R2 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, anaryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical, a heterocyclicradical, a 9-fluorenylmethyl radical or a radical of formula(CH₂)_(m)(NR5)_(n)(C(O,N))_(p)R6; R5, R6, m, n and p are as definedbelow; R5 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radicalor a heterocyclic radical, R6 is: an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical,a heterocyclic radical, a radical

or a radical NR′(CH₂)_(v)R10; where R10, R′, R″ and v are as definedbelow; m has the value 0, 1 or 2; n and p have the value 0 or 1; v hasthe value 1, 2 or 3; R10 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, an aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclic radical, a radicalNH—CO—R12, a radical NH—CO—O—R12 or C—R12R13 or a radical N—R12R13,wherein R12 and R13 are as defined below; R″ is a hydrogen atom, analkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a heteroaryl radical ora heterocyclic radical; R″ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical havingfrom 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical,optionally substituted with one or more halogens, a heteroaryl radical,a heterocyclic radical, a radical (CH₂)_(v) 13 R10, or a radical NHR10or NR10R10; R12 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radicalor a heterocyclic radical; R13 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; T is an oxygen or sulfur atom; and Ar1and Ar2, which may be identical or different, are each an optionallysubstituted aromatic radical of one of the formulae:

wherein A is an S or O atom or a radical N—R13, with the proviso that,when Ar1 or Ar2 is a

 radical, then Ar2 or Ar1 is not a

 radiacal, or an optical or geometrical isomer or salt thereof.
 2. Themethod as defined by claim 1, wherein in the compound having formula(I), Ar1 and Ar2, which may be identical or different, are each one ofthe unsubstituted radicals:

with the proviso that, when Ar1 or Ar2 is a

 radical, then Ar2 or Ar1 is not a

 radical.
 3. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compoundhaving formula (I) is in the form of a carboxylic acid salt, an organicamine salt or a salt of an amine function.
 4. The method as defined byclaim 3, wherein the compound having formula (I) is in the form of analkali metal or alkaline-earth metal salt, an amino acid salt, a salt ofa halogen atom or an organic acid or nitrate salt.
 5. The method asdefined by claim 1, wherein the compound having formula (I) comprises atleast one linear or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated, optionallybranched, hydrogen-containing or fluorine-containing alkyl radicalhaving 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may be interrupted with a heteroatom.
 6. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) comprises at least one phenyl, biphenyl, cinnamyl ornaphthyl radical, which may be mono- or disubstituted with a halogenatom, a CF₃ radical, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms,an alkoxy radical having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, a nitro function, apolyether radical, an aryl radical, a benzoyl radical, an alkyl estergroup, a carboxylic acid, a hydroxyl radical optionally protected withan acetyl or benzoyl group or an amino function optionally protectedwith an acetyl or benzoyl group or optionally substituted with at leastone alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
 7. The method asdefined by claim 1, wherein the compound having formula (I) comprises atleast one benzyl, phenethyl or 2-naphthylmethyl radical, which may bemono- or disubstituted with a halogen atom, a CF₃ radical, an alkylradical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy radical having from1 to 7 carbon atoms, a nitro function, a polyether radical, an arylradical, a benzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group, a carboxylic acid, ahydroxyl radical optionally protected with an acetyl or benzoyl group oran amino function optionally protected with an acetyl or benzoyl groupor optionally substituted with at least one alkyl radical having from 1to 12 carbon atoms.
 8. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein thecompound having formula (I) comprises at least one pyridyl, furyl,thienyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, isothiazolyl, quinazolinyl,benzothiadiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, quinoxalyl, indolyl or benzofurylradical, optionally substituted with at least one halogen, an alkylradical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy radical having from1 to 7 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, a nitro function, a polyetherradical, a heteroaryl radical, a benzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group,a carboxylic acid, a hydroxyl optionally protected with an acetyl orbenzoyl group or an amino function optionally protected with an acetylor benzoyl group or optionally substituted with at least one alkylradical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
 9. The method as defined byclaim 1, wherein the compound having formula (I) comprises at least onemorpholino, piperidino, piperazino, 2-oxo-1-piperidyl or2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl radical, optionally substituted with at least onealkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy radical havingfrom 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, a nitro function, a polyetherradical, a heteroaryl radical, a benzoyl radical, an alkyl ester group,a carboxylic acid, a hydroxyl optionally protected with an acetyl orbenzoyl group or an amino function optionally protected with an acetylor benzoyl group or optionally substituted with at least one alkylradical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
 10. The method as defined byclaim 1, wherein the compound having formula (I) comprises at least onehalogen atom selected from the group consisting of a fluorine atom, achlorine atom and a bromine atom.
 11. The method as defined by claim 1,wherein the compound having formula (I) is selected from the groupconsisting of:2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-4-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-pentyl-1-methylureido)thiazol-5-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumchloride,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid hydrochloride,3-{4-[6-(3-Butyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,3-{4-[6-(3-Cyclohexyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]thiazol-2}propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]thiazol-2-yl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(6-{3-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-1-methylureido}pyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrimidin-4-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrimidin-4-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{5-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]furan-2-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{5[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]thiophen-2-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{2-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrimidin-5-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiophen-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)furan-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,3-(6-{3-[3-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)-1-methylureido]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[6′-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)-[2,2′]bipyridyl-5-yl]propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{5-[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrimidin-2-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{2-fluoro-4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)thiophen-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[5-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)thiophen-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[6′-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)[2,2′]bipyridyl-5-yl]propanoicacid,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumfumarate,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniummaleate,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenyl-propyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenyl-butyl)-ureido]pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoicacid,3-{4-[4-(3-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl-1-methyl-ureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,3-(4-{4-[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(4-{3-[2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-methyl-ureido}-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-propanoic acid,3-(4-{4-[3-(2-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-yl-ureido)-pyridin-2-yl]phenyl}-propanoicacid,3-{4-[6-(3-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl-1-methyl-ureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6[1-methyl-3-(3-phenyl-propyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenyl-butyl)-ureido]-pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-propanoicacid,3-(4-{6[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,3-(4-{6[3-(2-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-1-methyl-ureido]pyridin-2-yl}-phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(6-{3-[2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-methyl-ureido}-pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl]-propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentyl-thioureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyI}-propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptyl-thioureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methyl-thioureido)-phenyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methyl-thioureido)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{3-[1-methyl-3-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl)-ureido]-phenyl}pyridin-3-yl)-propanoic acid,3-(6-{3[3-(2-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl-ethyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-phenyly}-pyridin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(6-{3[1-methyl-3-(3-phenyl-propyl)-ureido]-phenyl}-pyridin-3-yl)-propanoicacid, and3-(6-{3[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]-phenyl}-pyridin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid.
 12. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) has at least one of the following characteristics: R2 is analkyl, aryl or heteroaryl radical; T is an oxygen atom; at least one ofAr1 and Ar2 is a pyridine, thiazole, pyrimidine, thiophene or triazoleradical.
 13. A method for the treatment of common acne, comedones,polymorphous acne, nodulocystic acne, acne congolobata, senile acne, orsecondary acne, comprising administering to an individual in need ofsuch treatment, an effective PPARγ receptor-activating amount of acompound having either of the following structural formulas:

wherein Ar1 in formula (la) is pyridyl, Ar2 in formula (Ib) is pyridyl,the depicted phenyl, Ar1 and Ar2 radicals are each optionallysubstituted, and R2 and T are as defined below; R2 is an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical ora radical of formula (CH₂)_(m)(NR5)_(n)(C(O,N))_(p)R6; where R5, R6, m,n and p are as defined below; R5 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, or an aralkylradical; R6 is: an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, anaryl radical or an aralkyl radical, a radical NR′R″ or a radicalNR′(CH₂)_(v)R10; where R10, R′, R″ and v are as defined below; R10 is analkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl or aralkylradical, a radical NH—CO—R12, a radical NH—CO—O—R12 or C—R12R13 or aradical N—R12R13, wherein R12 and R13 are as defined below; R′ is ahydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R″is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms,an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, optionally substituted with one ormore halogens, a radical (CH₂)_(v)—R10, or a radical NHR10 or NR10R10;R12 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, an aryl radical, or an aralkyl radical; R13 is a hydrogen atom oran alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; m has the value 0, 1or 2; n and p each have the value 0 or 1; v has the value 1, 2or 3; andT is an oxygen or sulfur atom; or an optical or geometrical isomer orsalt thereof.
 14. The method as defined by claim 13, wherein, in thecompound of formula (Ia) or (Ib), T is an oxygen atom.
 15. The method asdefined by claim 13, wherein the compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) isselected from the group consisting of:2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumchloride,2-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid hydrochloride,3-{4-[6-(3-Butyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,3-{4-[6-(3-Cyclohexyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6[3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3[4-(6-{3-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-1-methylureido}pyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-4-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,3-(6-{3-[3-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)-1-methylureido]phenyl}pyrid-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{6-[4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{2-fluoro-4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumfumarate,2[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniummaleate,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenylpropyl)ureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{4-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenylbutypureido]pyridin-2yl}phenyl)propanoicacid,3-(4-{4-[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methyl-ureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxy-propanoicacid,3-(4-{4-[3-(2-Dimethylaminoethyl)-1-methylureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyridin-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenylpropyl)ureido]pyridin-2-y1}phenyl)propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenylbutypureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid,3-(4-{6-[3-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)-1-methylureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,3-(4-{6[3-(2-Dimethylaminoethyl)-1-methylureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylthioureido)pyridin-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylthioureido)pyridin-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methylthioureido)pyridin-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid, and3-(6-{3[3-(2-Benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-ylethyl)-1-methylureido]phenyl}pyridin-3-yl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid.
 16. A method for the treatment of common acne, comedones,polymorphous acne, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, senile acne orsecondary acne, comprising administering to an individual in need ofsuch treatment an effective PPARγ receptor- activating amount of acompound having the following structural formula:

wherein the depicted phenyl and pyridyl radicals are each optionallysubstituted, and R2 and T are as defined below; R2 is an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical ora radical of formula (CH₂)_(m)(NR5)_(n)(C(O,N))_(p)R6 where R5, R6, m, nand p are as defined below; R5 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical or an aralkyl radical;R6 is: an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an arylradical or an aralkyl radical, a radical

or a radical NR′(CH₂)_(v)R10; where R10, R′, R″ and v are as definedbelow; R10 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an arylor aralkyl radical, a radical NH—CO—R12, a radical NH—CO—O—R12orC—R12R13 or a radical N—R12R13, wherein R12 and R13 are as definedbelow; R′ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms; R″ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, optionallysubstituted with one or more halogens, a heteroaryl radical, aheterocyclic radical, a radical (CH₂)_(v)—R10, or a radical NHR10 orNR10R10; R12 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radicalor a heterocyclic radical; R13 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; m has the value 0, 1 or 2; n and peach have the value 0 or 1; v has the value 1, 2or 3; and T is an oxygenor sulfur atom; or an optical or geometrical isomer or salt thereof. 17.The method as defined by claim 16, wherein in the compound havingformula (Ia), T is an oxygen atom.
 18. The method as defined by claim16, wherein the compound having formula (Ia) is selected from the groupconsisting of: 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumchloride, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid hydrochloride,3-{4-[6-(3-Butyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,3-{4-[6-(3-Cyclohexyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-[4-(6-{3-[2-(4-fluorophenypethyl]-1-methylureido}pyrid-2-yl)phenyl]propanoicacid, 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{2-fluoro-4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,2-[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumfumarate,2[4-(2-Carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniummaleate,2(S)-Isopropoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid,3-{4-[6-(3-Pentyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2-methylpropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(3-phenylpropypureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-(4-{6-[1-methyl-3-(4-phenylbutypureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)propanoicacid,3-(4-{6-[3-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-1-methylureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,3-(4-{6-[3-(2-Dimethylaminoethyl)-1-methylureido]pyridin-2-yl}phenyl)-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid,2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylthioureido)pyridin-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid, and 2(S)-Ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-heptylthioureido)pyridin-2-yl-phenyl}propanoic acid.
 19. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein thecompound having formula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid.
 20. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2-[4-(2-carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumchloride.
 21. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compoundhaving formula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{6-[3-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)phenyl]pyrid-3-yl}propanoicacid.
 22. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride.
 23. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein thecompound having formula (I) is3-{4-[6-(3-butyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid.
 24. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-phenethylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid hydrochloride.
 25. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein thecompound having formula (I) is 2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-86-(1-methyl-3-phenylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoic acid.
 26. Themethod as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound having formula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-naphthalen-2-ylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid.
 27. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is3-{4-[6-(3-cyclohexyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}-2(S)-ethoxypropanoicacid.
 28. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[6-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid.
 29. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid.
 30. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2(S)-ethoxy-3-{4-[4-(1-methyl-3-pentylureido)pyrid-2-yl]phenyl}propanoicacid.
 31. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compound havingformula (I) is2-[4-(2-carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniumfumarate.
 32. The method as defined by claim 1, wherein the compoundhaving formula (I) is2-[4-(2-carboxy-2(S)-ethoxyethyl)phenyl]-6-(3-heptyl-1-methylureido)pyridiniummaleate.
 33. A method for the treatment of common acne, comedones,polymorphous acne, nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, senile acne orsecondary acne, comprising administering to an individual in need ofsuch treatment an effective PPARγ receptor-activating amount of acompound having the following structural formula (I):

in which: R2 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, anaryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical or a radical offormula (CH₂)_(m)(NR5)_(n)(C(O,N))_(p)R6; R5, R6, m, n and p are asdefined below; R5 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroarylradical or a heterocyclic radical; R6 is: an alkyl radical having from 1to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroarylradical, a heterocyclic radical, or a radical

wherein R′ and R″ are as defined below; m has the values 0, 1 or 2; nand p have the values 0 or 1; R′ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a heteroaryl radical or a heterocyclicradical; R″ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, optionallysubstituted with one or more halogens, a heteroaryl radical or aheterocyclic radical; R13 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical havingfrom 1 to 12 carbon atoms; T is an oxygen or sulfur atom; and Ar1 andAr2, which may be identical or different, are each an optionallysubstituted aromatic radical of one of the formulae:

wherein A is an S or O atom or a radical N—R13, with the proviso that,when Ar1 or Ar2 is a

 radical, then Ar2 or Ar1 is not a

 radical, or an optical or geometrical isomer or salt thereof.
 34. Amethod for the activation of receptors of PPARγ, comprising contactingsaid receptors with an effective PPARγ receptor-activating amount of acompound having the following structural formula (I):

in which: R2 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, anaryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical, a heterocyclicradical, a 9-fluorenylmethyl radical or a radical of formula(CH₂)_(m)(NR5)_(n)(C(O,N))_(p)R6; R5, R6, m, n and p are as definedbelow; R5 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radicalor a heterocyclic radical, R6 is: an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radical,a heterocyclic radical, a radical

or a radical NR′(CH₂)_(v)R10; where R10, R′, R″ and v are as definedbelow; m has the value 0, 1 or 2; n and p have the value 0 or 1; v hasthe value 1, 2or 3; R10 is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbonatoms, an aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclic radical, a radicalNH—CO—R12, a radical NH—CO—O—R12 or C—R12R13 or a radical N—R12R13,wherein R12 and R13 are as defined below; R′ is a hydrogen atom, analkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a heteroaryl radical ora heterocyclic radical; R″ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical havingfrom 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical,optionally substituted with one or more halogens, a heteroaryl radical,a heterocyclic radical, a radical (CH₂)_(v)—R10, or a radical NR10 orNR10R10; R12 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12carbon atoms, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical, a heteroaryl radicalor a heterocyclic radical; R13 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radicalhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; T is an oxygen or sulfur atom; and Ar1and Ar2, which may be identical or different, are each an optionallysubstituted aromatic radical of one of the formulae:

wherein A is an S or O atom or a radical N—R13, with the proviso that,when Ar1 or Ar2 is a

 radical, then Ar2 or Ar1 is not a

 radical, or an optical or geometrical isomer or salt thereof.